Nigeria Customs officials in meeting with Yewa monarch at Ilaro palace
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified border security operations ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming elections, warning against the smuggling of weapons and illicit goods that could threaten electoral peace.
The move includes direct engagement with traditional rulers in border communities, seen as critical partners in preventing illegal cross-border activities.
Traditional leaders brought into security strategy
Leading the initiative, Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, visited the palace of Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the paramount ruler of Yewaland in Ilaro.
He said communities near Nigeria’s borders play a key role in stopping the flow of dangerous goods.
“Our borders must not become gateways for elements seeking to destabilise our democratic process,” Afeni said.
He added that the Service has adopted a “zero-tolerance stance” on the smuggling of small arms, light weapons, and illicit drugs.
Why it matters
Security experts say elections in Nigeria have historically been vulnerable to violence linked to the proliferation of illegal arms.
Border regions such as Yewaland, which lie close to international routes, are often used by smuggling networks to move contraband undetected.
Customs officials say preventing such inflows could reduce election-related violence and strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.
Measures introduced
The Customs Command says it has already implemented several measures, including:
Expanded intelligence-sharing with local communities
24-hour surveillance of known smuggling routes
Tighter inspections of goods in transit
Afeni said collaboration with traditional institutions would help close gaps that security agencies cannot monitor alone.
Monarchs pledge support
In response, Oba Olugbenle praised the initiative and pledged support from local communities. “The throne will continue to sensitise our youths and residents against aiding or abetting illegal trade,” he said.
“We all desire peaceful elections, and that begins with preventing weapons from falling into the wrong hands.”
The Customs team also visited other traditional rulers, including Oba Adekola Oje Oladokun and Oba Mathew Akindele, reinforcing the call for grassroots cooperation.
Industry and public perspective
Traders in border communities say stricter enforcement could affect informal trade but acknowledge the need for tighter controls.
Security analysts also note that community-led intelligence is often more effective in identifying suspicious movements than centralised surveillance alone.
What’s next
The Customs Service says it will continue its outreach to border communities while maintaining strict enforcement measures in the lead-up to the elections.
Officials say the goal is to create a secure environment that allows legitimate trade to continue while blocking illegal activities.
“We are not here to hinder trade but to promote lawful commerce,” Afeni said.
“By working closely with our royal fathers and border communities, we can build a corridor that is hostile to smugglers yet welcoming to genuine business.”
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