The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) has paid a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Command, to strengthen cooperation and address the rising threat of drugs and illegal arms in the state.
The visit took place on Wednesday, 22 January 2026, at the command’s headquarters, where the students’ body congratulated the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, on his recent appointment.
Why this visit matters
Ogun State is home to some of Nigeria’s busiest land borders, including Idiroko, making it a key route for both legal trade and smuggling activities.
Customs officials say drug trafficking and the movement of illegal arms through border communities pose serious risks to national security, public health, and youth development.
Students commend Customs’ operations
Speaking during the visit, the NAOSS Global President, Comrade Olubodun Olalekan, praised the Ogun 1 Command for what he described as notable progress in border enforcement.
He highlighted the command’s interception of illicit drugs, especially marijuana, as well as seizures of illegal arms and ammunition.
“The command is playing a vital role in safeguarding the nation by protecting our borders,” he said.
Comrade Olalekan added that effective border control helps prevent illegal businesses from thriving in Ogun State and beyond.
Youth engagement and public sensitisation
In a move aimed at tackling the problem from the grassroots, NAOSS announced plans to support Customs through public education.
The student body pledged to organise a sensitisation rally targeted at young people, focusing on the dangers of smuggling, drug abuse, and cross-border crime.
Observers say such campaigns could help address the social factors driving youth participation in illegal trade, including unemployment and peer influence.
Customs chief raises concern over drug seizures
Responding, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni described the visit as timely, noting improvements in the relationship between Customs officers and host communities around the Idiroko border.
He said past clashes between officers and residents had given way to what he called a “new era of peace”.
However, the Customs chief warned that the scale of drug seizures remains troubling.
He revealed that large quantities of drugs are intercepted daily, with young people frequently involved in the trade.
He attributed the persistence of the problem to a “buyer–seller” cycle, which he said must be broken.
Deputy Comptroller Afeni pledged that the command would continue to intensify efforts to disrupt smuggling networks and discourage demand.
What’s next
NAOSS says it will announce a date for its sensitisation rally in the coming weeks, while Customs officials say they will deepen collaboration with community groups and educational institutions.
Both sides agree that breaking the drug trade cycle will require long-term cooperation between security agencies, students, parents and border residents.
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