Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Mr Oladapo Afeni,
Security

Customs Urges Border Vigilance, Public Support

By Web News 137

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Mr Oladapo Afeni, has extended Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Muslim faithful and urged citizens, especially those in border communities, to support security agencies in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

In a message marking the celebration, Mr Afeni described Eid-el-Fitr as a time for national reflection following the completion of Ramadan, a period marked by fasting, prayers, self-discipline, and spiritual renewal.

He noted that the values of sacrifice, compassion, tolerance, and generosity promoted during Ramadan are essential for strengthening national unity and fostering peaceful coexistence.

The Acting Comptroller emphasized the need for continued vigilance and public cooperation to prevent the illegal movement of arms and other contraband across the nation’s borders.

He stressed that national security is a shared responsibility, calling for sustained collaboration between security agencies and residents of border communities to enhance surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Mr Afeni also prayed that the Eid celebration would usher in renewed hope, good health, and prosperity for Nigerians, urging citizens to remain committed to peace, stability, and national development.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Security

Nigeria Customs Pledges Commitment to Border Security

By Web News 303

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen border security and facilitate legitimate cross-border trade through enhanced regional cooperation.

This was highlighted during a joint border security engagement held at Idiroko , Ogun state, organised by the Ogun I Area Command of the Service, which brought together heads of sister security agencies from Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, as well as other key stakeholders involved in border management. 

Speaking at the forum, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr Oladapo Afeni, said securing the nation’s borders remained a critical foundation for effective trade facilitation and revenue generation. 

Mr Afeni noted that the engagement provided an opportunity to re-assessed the security situation at the border and address issues hindering smooth trade flow and regional security.

The Acting Custom Controller explained that the participation of Beninese counterparts underscored the importance of bilateral collaboration in resolving shared challenges along the border corridor, including the issue of multiple check points, while stressing that efficient cargo movement could only be achieved through sustained cooperation among all stakeholders.

He gave an assurance that officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command deployed across the border corridors are committed to surpassing previous operational achievements in line with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Edited by Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Security

Customs, NDLEA Strengthen Anti-Drug Collaboration

By Web News 383

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

In line with inter-agency protocols, the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has handed over seized illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command.

The substances included 11 wraps of crystal meth (ice) weighing 12 kilograms, 16 pieces of heroin weighing 16 kilograms and 3,373 wraps of cannabis sativa in doughnut-size, coconut-size, and booklet-sizes, weighing 1,502 kilograms.

During the handover at the Command’s headquarters, Idiroko, the Customs Area Controller, Mr Oladapo Afeni, noted that cannabis remained the most abused illicit drug globally, with one in three users requiring treatment.

The Customs Area Controller also said the Command generated over twenty-seven million naira in revenue within the month, attributing the achievement to improved compliance by legitimate traders.

He emphasized that legitimate trade  facilitation would be sustained while enforcement against smuggling would also be strengthened.

Customs Controller noted that postings within the Command would be merit-based and performance-driven. 

Mr Afeni acknowledged the leadership impacts of the Comptroller – General of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, while praising customs officers, community leaders, informants and the media for supporting the command. 

He warned smugglers to stay away from Ogun State, restating that the Command would remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and security interests.

Receiving the exhibits, NDLEA Commander for Idiroko, Mr. Ekundayo Omoniyi, commended the Customs Command for strengthening inter-agency collaboration, describing the seizure as timely, especially during the festive period.

Mr Omoniyi gave assurance that investigations would be intensified to apprehend those responsible for the trafficking.

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