By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has refuted reports alleging that smugglers barricaded the Idiroko–Sango Ota Road in Ogun State, describing the claims as false and a gross misrepresentation of what was merely a traffic incident.
The Command explained that the gridlock was triggered by a commercial trailer that broke down after falling into a badly deteriorated section of the Atan Road, temporarily obstructing the free flow of traffic.
According to information made available to our correspondent, the long queue of vehicles that followed consisted mainly of legitimate commercial trucks transporting red palm oil to various markets, and had no connection with smuggling activities.
Speaking through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs (SC) Chado, the management said the sheer volume of heavy-duty trucks trapped in the congestion may have led some members of the public to wrongly conclude that smugglers had taken over the road.
“The reports that smugglers blocked the road are inaccurate. The disruption resulted from a road accident and the poor condition of the road. The vehicles involved were legitimate commercial trucks conveying red palm oil for lawful trade,” Chado stated.
The Command urged journalists, bloggers, social media users and members of the public to verify information before publishing or sharing reports capable of creating unnecessary panic, spreading misinformation or eroding public confidence in security agencies.
It noted that the allegation runs contrary to the prevailing security situation within the Ogun I Area Command, where intensified anti-smuggling operations have significantly curtailed the activities of economic saboteurs.
Under the leadership of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Comptroller O.O. Afeni, the Command has strengthened intelligence-driven operations, enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and host communities, and sustained pressure on smugglers operating along the Ogun border corridor.
These efforts, the Command said, have resulted in several seizures of prohibited goods and reinforced its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy, securing the borders and facilitating legitimate cross-border trade.
Stakeholders in the maritime and border trade sectors also cautioned against the circulation of unverified reports capable of creating a false impression of insecurity within border communities or diminishing the achievements recorded by security agencies in the fight against smuggling.
They stressed that while the battle against smuggling remains an ongoing responsibility, accurate and responsible reporting is equally important to ensure that operational successes are not overshadowed by misinformation.
The Ogun I Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying anti-smuggling operations while continuing to facilitate legitimate trade in line with the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
