The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I area command, has seized 1,202 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil with a duty paid value of N120.2 million.

The command’s spokesperson, Chado Zakari, disclosed this in a statement.

Mr Zakari said the seizures followed two intelligence-led operations conducted on March 19 and March 24.

The acting customs area controller, Olukayode Afeni, said the operation was part of efforts to curb smuggling and protect local producers.

“These seizures are a significant win for the economy. By removing illicit goods from the market, we are curbing unfair competition and supporting local manufacturers,” Mr Afeni said.

He added that the operation followed earlier interceptions of 2,539 kegs of vegetable oil on March 11, and 2,090 kegs on December 16, 2025.

In a related development, the command handed over 285 sacks of mica stones, each weighing 50kg and valued at N104.78 million, to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

Mr Zakari said the minerals were intercepted during a routine anti-smuggling operation.

He noted that the seizure reflected the command’s mandate to prevent illegal export of solid minerals and safeguard government revenue.

Mr Afeni said illegal mineral trade poses risks to both economic stability and national security. He added that the handover underscores inter-agency collaboration in enforcing mining and environmental regulations.

(NAN)