The Nigeria Customs Service has stepped up its efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders in Ogun State by engaging traditional rulers in border communities as part of a broader strategy to curb smuggling and prevent the influx of dangerous items.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on April 22, 2026, on the official platform of the Service. The initiative is being driven by the Acting Customs Area Controller for Ogun I Command, Oladapo Afeni, who has been leading a series of high-level engagements with traditional institutions in the state.
As part of the outreach, Afeni led a delegation to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Kehinde Olugbenle, in Ilaro.
During the visit, he highlighted the sensitive nature of border communities due to their proximity to international frontiers, noting that collaboration with local authorities is essential 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 measures have been strengthened to counter criminal activities.
According to the Service, several steps have already been implemented, including round-the-clock monitoring of identified smuggling routes, stricter inspection of transit goods, and the establishment of communication channels with community leaders to enhance intelligence gathering.
The engagement extended beyond Yewaland to other traditional rulers, including the Onihumbe of Ohumbe, Adekola Oje Oladokun, and the Olu of Owode, Mathew Akindele, as part of efforts to deepen grassroots collaboration.
In his response, Oba Olugbenle commended the initiative, emphasising the role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and guiding community behaviour.
“We will continue to work with security agencies to maintain peace and discourage any form of criminality within our communities,” he said.
Afeni reiterated that while the Service remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade, it will maintain a firm stance against smuggling, particularly the movement of small arms, light weapons, and illicit drugs.
The Customs Service added that the outreach forms part of a wider strategy to strengthen border security through community-based partnerships and prevent threats to national stability.
