.......as Command hands over seized Mica Stones worth 104.7 million to Federal Ministry of solid minerals development for regulation
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 at 25kg each on 11 March 2026 and 2090 kegs of vegetable oil at 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 (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 OO Afeni who was represent by Assistant Comptroller EK Onyeasor emphasized that the illegal trade in solid minerals poses a dual threat to national security and economic stability. “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 specialized 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 sanitize the mining sector.
Reeling its export Performance Report for March 2026,
the Controller disclosed his Command achieved a significant milestone in trade facilitation this month of march, demonstrating a clear upward trend in regional economic activity and the efficiency of a streamlined trade procedures.
The export volume for March 2026 showed a marked increase over the previous year, driven by enhanced processing capabilities.
*Export Volume*
Month→→→→→→Metric Tonnes →→FOB Value
March 2026 →→→277.8 →→→→→→$383,100.00
March 2025 →→→20.00 →→→→→→$104,600.00
The above represent 266% increment in value compare to march 2025.
This achievement, he said, 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.
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