CUSTOMS DISMISSES FALSE REPORTS: No Smuggling Gang Took Over Idiroko-Sango Ota Road

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed reports claiming that smugglers barricaded the Idiroko–Zango Ota Road in Ogun State, describing the allegation as false and a distortion of the actual events that led to a temporary traffic gridlock.
According to the Command, the disruption was caused by a commercial trailer that broke down after plunging into a severely damaged section of Atan Road, obstructing traffic and creating a lengthy queue of vehicles.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Chado, the Service clarified that the vehicles trapped in the congestion were legitimate commercial trucks transporting red palm oil to local markets and had no links to smuggling activities.
“The reports suggesting that smugglers blocked the road are inaccurate. The traffic disruption resulted from a road accident compounded by poor road conditions. The vehicles involved were lawful commercial trucks conveying red palm oil for legitimate business,” Chado stated.
The Command explained that the large number of heavy-duty vehicles stranded in the traffic may have fuelled public speculation, leading to the false impression that smugglers had taken over the route.
It urged journalists, social media users and members of the public to verify information before publishing or sharing reports capable of creating unnecessary panic or eroding public confidence in security agencies.
The Command further noted that the allegation does not reflect the prevailing security situation within its area of responsibility, where anti-smuggling operations have been significantly strengthened under the leadership of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Comptroller O.O. Afeni.
Since assuming office, Comptroller Afeni has intensified intelligence-led surveillance, deepened collaboration with other security agencies and host communities, and sustained pressure on economic saboteurs operating along the Ogun border corridor. These efforts, the Command said, have resulted in several seizures of prohibited goods and reinforced Customs’ commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and territorial integrity.
Maritime and border trade stakeholders have also cautioned against the spread of unverified information, warning that misinformation could undermine the achievements of security agencies and create a false perception of insecurity in border communities.
They stressed that while the fight against smuggling remains an ongoing priority, responsible and accurate reporting is equally vital to ensure that genuine operational successes are not overshadowed by false narratives.
The Ogun I Area Command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain its anti-smuggling operations while facilitating legitimate cross-border trade in line with the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.