The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, has intercepted a luxury passenger bus allegedly conveying military camouflage uniforms, cannabis sativa, and other prohibited items suspected to have been smuggled into Nigeria.
The interception reportedly took place around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday along the Sagamu–Ore–Benin Expressway while the vehicle was said to be heading toward the eastern part of the country.
Speaking during a press briefing in Idiroko on Monday, the acting Area Controller of the command, Oladapo Afeni, disclosed that the bus, which reportedly had no registration number, was intercepted through intelligence-led surveillance after allegedly evading several security checkpoints from Lagos State into Ogun State.
According to Afeni, the vehicle, said to belong to a transport company, was also loaded with other illicit substances, including Colorado, alongside several uncustomed goods.
He explained that preliminary investigations suggested the military uniforms were intended for unauthorized persons and could have been used for impersonation or other criminal activities.
Afeni revealed that a physical examination of the vehicle uncovered 197 camouflage trousers and shorts concealed in unmarked cartons, five complete camouflage uniforms, and 32 camouflage tops and innerwear.
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Other seized items reportedly included 154 parcels of synthetic cannabis indica, commonly referred to as Canadian Loud, seven parcels of Colorado, and other goods still undergoing further investigation and documentation.
The Customs boss stated that the operation succeeded due to extensive intelligence gathering and surveillance efforts. He added that intelligence reports had earlier indicated that some commercial transport operators were being used to move contraband items along major highways under the guise of legitimate transport activities.
He estimated the street value of the seized drugs and military materials at over ₦259 million.
Afeni further disclosed that two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure and would be investigated further to uncover other members of the alleged smuggling network.
He warned that unauthorized possession of military apparel is often associated with impersonation by criminals who disguise themselves as security personnel to facilitate crimes and illegal movements.
The seized cannabis and suspects were later handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Receiving the exhibits, the NDLEA commander at Idiroko, represented by Deputy Commander Ganiyu Adeyooye, commended Customs operatives for the successful interception and assured that a thorough investigation would be carried out.
Afeni reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining its crackdown on smuggling and cross-border crimes, while also urging members of the public to report suspicious movements and illegal activities to security agencies.
He also noted that the command had recently handed over over 10,000 parcels of cannabis indica valued at about ₦5 billion to the NDLEA and had, within five weeks of intensified anti-smuggling operations, seized several prohibited items with a cumulative duty paid value of over ₦6.7 billion.
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