Some bags of the seized mica minerals.
Story by Dili Utomi
The Ogun I Command under the leadership of Deputy Comptroller (DC) Afeni in its continuous efforts at ridding the country of unhealthy competition with our local vegetable oil producers, intercepted 1,202 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil following successful two intelligence-led operations, on 19th and 24th march, 2026. These seizures are significant win for the Nigerian economy; by removing these illicit goods from the market, the Command is curbing unfair competition, protecting local manufacturers, and supporting domestic job creation.
This was a follow up operation to the earlier seizure of 2,539 kegs of vegetable oil of 25kg each on 11 March 2026 and 2090 kegs of vegetable oil of 25kg each on 16 December 2025.
Similarly, in a resolute display of inter-agency synergy and commitment to protecting Nigeria’s natural resources, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has officially handed over seized 285 Sacks of Mica Stones weighing 50kg worth One hundred and four Million seven hundred Seventy-Five thousand Naira (₦104,775,000.00) to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
The handover ceremony, held at the Command Headquarters, Abeokuta, follows the successful interception of the minerals by vigilant officers during a routine anti-smuggling operation. The seizure underscores the command’s expanded mandate to prevent the illegal exportation of the nation’s solid minerals, which often bypasses statutory regulatory frameworks and deprives the Federal Government of essential revenue.
Speaking during the exercise, the Ag. Customs Area Controller Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller O O Afeni who was represent by Assistant Comptroller EK Onyeasor emphasised that the illegal trade in solid minerals poses a dual threat to national security and economic stability.
The hand over ceremony.
He said “The Ogun I Command under my leadership remains an impenetrable wall against the illicit outflow of our national wealth. This handover is a testament to our ‘”one-government” approach, ensuring that specialised agencies receive the necessary support to enforce environmental and mining laws” Afeni Stated
The representative from Federal Ministry of Solid Ministry Development, Engr. Ojediran Abimbola Olubumi while receiving the items, commended the command for its alertness and professional conduct.
The Ministry noted that the intercepted Mica would undergo further geological analysis and be integrated into the national mineral database as part of ongoing efforts to sanitise the mining sector.
The seized truckload of vegetable oil.
The Command has also achieved a significant milestone in trade facilitation in the month of March, demonstrating a clear upward trend in regional economic activity and the efficiency of the streamlined trade procedures.
The export volume for March 2026 shows a marked increase over the previous year, driven by enhanced processing capabilities.
March 2026, Metric Tonnes 277.8, FOB Value, $383,100.00
March 2025, Metric Tonnes 20.00, FOB Value $104,600.00
The above represents 266% increment in value compare to march 2025
This achievement highlights the Command’s continuous success in monitoring the Idiroko border axis and surrounding creeks, ensuring that all exit points are fortified against the smuggling of both contraband goods and protected natural resource
For advertisement and more information, please contact us 08027590195, 08035721540 or email us at greatalternativenigltd@gmail.com, diliutomi1@gmail.com. or send us messages on x @dn_utomi or on Instagram @utomidili
