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The Nigeria Customs Service NCS has stepped up efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders in Ogun State, turning to traditional rulers in border communities as part of a broader strategy to curb smuggling and block the inflow of dangerous items.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on April 22, 2026 on the official page of the Service.
According to the statement, the Acting Customs Area Controller for Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, led a delegation on a series of engagements with traditional institutions, beginning with a visit to the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, at his palace in Ilaro.
Afeni described border communities in the axis as strategically sensitive due to their proximity to international frontiers, stressing that collaboration with local authorities has become critical in tackling cross-border crimes.
“Our borders must not become gateways for elements seeking to destabilize our democratic process,” he said, adding that surveillance and enforcement have been strengthened to prevent exploitation by criminal networks.
The Command disclosed that it has introduced round-the-clock monitoring of identified smuggling routes, tightened inspection procedures for transit goods, and established communication channels with community leaders to boost intelligence gathering.
The engagement was also extended to other traditional rulers, including the Onihumbe of Ohumbe Oba Adekola Oje Oladokun, and the Olu of Owode Oba Mathew Akindele, as part of efforts to deepen grassroots support.
In his response, Oba Olugbenle commended the initiative, noting that traditional institutions have a responsibility to sensitise residents particularly youths, against involvement in illegal activities.
“We will continue to work with security agencies to maintain peace and discourage any form of criminality within our communities,” he said.
Afeni emphasised that while the Service remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade, it would maintain a zero-tolerance stance against smuggling, especially items such as small arms, light weapons and illicit drugs.
The Customs said the outreach forms part of a wider plan to strengthen border security through community-based partnerships and prevent threats to national stability.
Customs raises alarm over border threats, rallies traditional rulers in Ogun
