NCS seizes 1,202 kegs of vegetable oil worth N120.2m in Ogun
Abeokuta (Ogun), March 2026 (TBL Africa) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has seized 1,202 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N120.2 million across various locations in the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, Mr Chado Zakari, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abeokuta.
Zakari said the seizures followed two intelligence-led operations conducted on March 19 and March 24.
He quoted the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, as saying the operation was part of efforts to curb smuggling and protect local producers.
“These seizures are a significant win for the economy. By removing illicit goods from the market, we are curbing unfair competition and supporting local manufacturers,” Afeni said.
He added that the operation followed earlier interceptions of 2,539 kegs of vegetable oil on March 11, and 2,090 kegs on Dec. 16, 2025.
In a related development, the command handed over 285 sacks of mica stones, each weighing 50kg and valued at N104.78 million, to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
Zakari said the minerals were intercepted during a routine anti-smuggling operation.
He noted that the seizure reflected the command’s mandate to prevent illegal export of solid minerals and safeguard government revenue.
Afeni, represented by Assistant Comptroller Emmanuel Onyeasor, said illegal mineral trade poses risks to both economic stability and national security.
He added that the handover underscores inter-agency collaboration in enforcing mining and environmental regulations.
Receiving the items, a representative of the Ministry, Mr Abimbola Olubumi, commended the command for its vigilance and professionalism.
Olubumi said the ministry would conduct further geological analysis and integrate the minerals into the national database as part of efforts to strengthen regulation of the mining sector.
He also noted improved export activities in March 2026, reflecting increased efficiency in trade processes and enhanced monitoring along the Idiroko border axis.
