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Exclusive! (video) NCS releases whistle-blowing officer on trans-border petrol smuggling ring after 7 months in detention

The Eyewitness reporter

Superintendent of Customs, Segun Owombo, who squealed on the syndicate specializing in aiding and abetting trans-border smuggling of petroleum products at the Adamawa state command of the service, has now been released by the Nigeria Customs Service.

SC Owombo was arrested and put in open detention at the Customs Headquarters in November 2022 after the video where he exposed the smuggling syndicate among his colleagues who were aiding and abetting the smuggling of petrol across the border to Cameroon, Niger and Chad went viral.

He had, in the viral video in November 2022, openly described how he arrested some tankers laden with refined petroleum products being smuggled across the Nigerian borders at the Malabo checkpoint on Belel Road, Adamawa state on November 2nd, 2022 into the neighbouring countries of Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic.
He has also alleged official collaboration with the smugglers and intimidation in an attempt to cover up through threats to his life.
However, in another video released this week by SC Owombo, the whistle-blowing officer said the Customs authority has finally released him from detention.
In the new video where the officer spoke in Yoruba, he narrated his ordeal and the attempts made on his life while in detention.
He, however, thanked all well-meaning Nigerians, sympathizers and well-wishers who stood by him in his hours of tribulation.
He particularly thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col.(rtd.) Hameed Ali for his release while calling for more arrests of the collaborators of the smuggling syndicate on which he claimed he has tons of evidence.
”My name is Segun Owombo, a Superintendent of Customs who has been in detention since November 2022 over my expose on trans-border smugglers of petroleum products at Adamawa state command.
”I thank all the kings, Chiefs and well-meaning Nigerians who stood by me while in detention.
”I was subjected to a series of tests to determine my state of mind since they claimed i was of unstable mind when they arrested me.
”But no trace of drug was found in my blood.
”What was diagnosed by the Doctor was Hepatitis B and the Doctor recommended that I be treated urgently.
”But they hid the diagnosis and the recommendation of the Doctor, thinking that I would die of the ailment.
”But well-wishers were bringing drugs to me in detention to cure the ailment.
”I greet those who stood by me while in detention.
”I was the only Yoruba Christian among my colleagues at the checkpoint at Adamawa state command and no one was arrested except me.
”I thank the management of Customs for deeming it fit to eventually invite these officers to Abuja to face a panel of inquiry over the incident.
”People should please monitor the proceedings because I have lots of evidence against them.
”They should also invite Comptroller Jato to appear before that panel and explain what he knew about this matter. They should also invite Amu Garuba and CSC Adamu who cocked his gun and threatened to shoot me.
”All these officers I mentioned were not included among those invited to Abuja. They should summon all of them to state what they knew about the matter because I have tons of evidence against them.
”People should continue to pray for me in this struggle because it doesn’t take age or size for those who will cleanse the country of the rot.
”I particularly thanked Comptroller-General Hameed Ali for my release. He is a man of truth. He does not know most of the atrocities being committed in the service because they are being shielded from him by the cabal, those people who regard themselves as the power that be who implicate anyone who wants to speak the truth in the service.”

Meanwhile, the management of the Nigeria Customs Service has placed 14 officers from Adamawa command under in-house investigation over their alleged involvement in the smuggling of petroleum products along Nigerian borders with Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

The officers, who had since left their duty post in Adamawa to Abuja, are expected to face a panel of inquiry by the Customs Police Unit(CPU) at the Customs headquarters Tuesday, June 13th, 2023.

In a Circular with Reference No: NCS/CPU/HQ/VOL. 10/No74 dated June 8, 2023, titled: Invitation To Report At Customs Police Headquarters and signed by B. S. Sani, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs, the affected officers were ordered to report as directed.

The Circular reads ”Sequel to ongoing investigation directed by the CGC, the under listed officers are requested to report unfailingly at the CPU Headquarters on the 13th of June, 2023 by 11.00 Hrs”.

Among the officers mainly from the Adamawa State Customs Command, are Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) G. Almu with Service Number (SN) 43223; Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC) G. I. Kadiri with SN 54247; Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC 1) U. T. Abdulhamid with SN 38421; ASC1 H. O. Ibraheem with SN 43599 and ASC1 A. I. Hassan with SN 50475.

Others are ASC II S. Magaji with SN 53017; ASC II I. Bashir with SN 53750; Inspector of Customs (I C) (OPS) A. Jalo with SN 47071; Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC) H. Usman with SN 45755; AIC V. P. Igbo with SN 46207; AIC G. M. Ikpene with SN 46621; AIC S. Garba with SN 45919; AIC F. Nwumfe with SN 53535 and Assistant Inspector (CAI) (T) A. Ismaila.

Our reporter gathered that the identification of the officers linked with the wanton smuggling of petrol tankers across the border might not be unconnected with the viral video posted by one Owombo Segun John, a Superintendent of Customs, who exposed the smuggling ring among the Customs officers at the Adamawa state Command.
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Customs

Apapa Customs records major breakthrough in anti- smuggling operations.

– intercepts 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals, other contraband goods worth N6.38billion
Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a huge success in its relentless war against traders of illicit products when its officers intercepted 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals and other contraband goods.
Unveiling the contraband goods at the APM Terminals,Apapa port on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the intercepted consignments are worth over N6.38 billion.
Adeniyi, while speaking with Journalists, revealed that the interception and seizures were made possible through intelligence-driven operations supported by cargo scanning technology and targeted physical examination.
He explained that officers detected irregular cargo profiles during routine scanning procedures, prompting detailed physical inspections that uncovered several prohibited and falsely declared consignments.
According to him, among the seizures was a 40-foot container loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, including Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, Chloroquine injections and Diclofenac tablets.
Customs officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers filled with unregistered pharmaceutical products, including Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate.
In another discovery, a 20-foot container carrying 800 cartons of codeine was found carefully concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware.
Other pharmaceutical seizures included cartons of Artesunate injections, while a separate container was discovered to contain restricted security equipment such as bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies and tactical torches imported without the required End User Certificates.
The Service also uncovered multiple containers loaded with expired food items, including muffin cookies, 36,000 cans of expired energy drinks, and large quantities of expired tomato paste brands.
In addition, officers seized a 40-foot container containing 1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup concealed among luxury food flasks.
Another container was found carrying 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine hidden with electric kettles, alongside additional cartons of Co-codamol tablets.
Customs further intercepted 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing 347.57 kilograms, which were concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle.
Adeniyi described the seizures as a major breakthrough in the Service’s ongoing crackdown on illicit trade and smuggling through Nigeria’s seaports.
He warned that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses serious risks to public health, while the smuggling of codeine-based products contributes to the growing problem of substance abuse.
The Comptroller-General emphasized that under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized goods are liable to outright forfeiture, adding that investigations are ongoing and all persons connected to the shipments will face prosecution.
He also stressed that the Service is expanding the use of Non-Intrusive Inspection (cargo scanning) to improve cargo clearance efficiency while strengthening enforcement against high-risk consignments.
According to him, Apapa Port processes thousands of containers daily, making it one of the most strategic trade gateways in West Africa.
“Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation,” Adeniyi stated.
He assured compliant traders that Customs enforcement is not aimed at legitimate business but at protecting Nigeria’s economy and citizens from dangerous and illegal imports.
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Customs

Dera Nnadi bows out of Customs in a blaze of glory 

Geraldine Samuel, Reporter 
Dera Nnadi, a Deputy Comptroller- General of Customs(rtd), has dropped anchor of service in the Nigeria Customs and graceful bowed out of the agency in a blaze of glory.
In a commemorative retirement ceremony conducted by his appreciative colleagues at the Customs’ Headquarters, Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Nnadi was pulled out of the Service he has diligently served amidst glowing tributes.
Incidentally, his pull- out ceremony coincided with his 60th birthday.
Leading the management staff, men and officers of the service in paying moving tributes to the retiring Nnadi was the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who described DCG(rtd) Nnadi as an exemplary officer whose professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty significantly strengthened the values and operational effectiveness of the NCS.
According to the CGC, the retirement ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate a successful career but also to appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of officers who devote their lives to safeguarding the nation’s economic and border security interests.
 He noted that Nnadi’s career reflects the core ideals of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in leadership, revenue generation and trade facilitation.
“Today is a moment of celebration and reflection. It is also an opportunity for us to thank Almighty God for the grace that has sustained our colleague throughout his years of service,” the CGC said.
The CGC also highlighted the personal and professional bond he shares with the retiree, noting that their relationship extends beyond official duties to family ties.
 He expressed confidence that DCG Nnadi still possesses the energy and experience to continue contributing meaningfully to national development through academic and other professional engagements.
Members of the Service’s management team also paid glowing tributes to the retired DCG, commending his leadership qualities, integrity and mentorship.
 Officers who served under him described him as a dependable leader who provided guidance and encouragement to younger personnel while strengthening the Service’s institutional capacity.
Responding to the honour, DCG Dera Nnadi (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, the management team, officers and Men of the Service for their support and cooperation throughout his career.
He described his years in the NCS as a fulfilling journey of growth, learning and service to the nation.
The ceremony featured the presentation of awards, gift items and commemorative photographs in honour of the distinguished officer.
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Customs

Customs takes charge of implementation of National Single Window project 

– rallies stakeholders for successful take-off 
Funso OLOJO, Editor 
As the preparations for the official launch of National Single Window(NSW) project on March 27th, 2026 gather momentum, the Nigeria Customs service may have been designated as the lead agency to drive the modernisation project.
This much was confirmed by the Director of the Project, Tola Fakolade who  acknowledged the pivotal leadership of the NCS in the implementation process.
At one of the stakeholders sensitisation programmes in Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Fakolade declared “Our number one stakeholder is the NCS,”
“We have maintained a strong and constructive working relationship.
Customs’ participation and institutional experience are critical to the success of this project.” the project coordinator confirmed.
Confirming the lead role of the NCS, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, described the NSW as a major milestone in the Service’s ongoing modernisation drive.
She revealed that the NCS has been actively engaged in preparatory work for months to ensure that the framework being developed reflects operational realities and supports seamless implementation.
“This is a national project, but Customs is at the centre of its execution,” DCG Adebakin said.
 “The success of the Single Window depends on collective understanding and cooperation. We must all appreciate its value because we cannot effectively promote what we do not fully understand.”
She reassured officers and stakeholders that the initiative is designed to strengthen institutional capacity rather than replace human resources, explaining that technology will enhance efficiency, transparency, and speed in cargo clearance and trade documentation processes.
Reaffirming the critical role of the service in the implementation of the NSW project, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Abuja stakeholders engagement with airlines and shipping companies held on March 4th, 2026, emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring the successful rollout of the initiative.
He noted that the support of critical stakeholders has played a significant role in the achievements recorded in the Service’s modernisation journey so far.
Adeniyi disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the Service to take a bold step forward towards a successful launch of the National Single Window, a move aimed at positioning Nigeria as a major player in global trade.
 He added that airline and shipping line operators remain vital partners in ensuring a seamless transition to the new system.
He further assured stakeholders that adequate support structures are being put in place to ease the migration process.
“A help desk with well-trained personnel will be available to address any operational challenges that may arise during the rollout”, the Comptroller-General stated.
The NCS described  the National Single Window as a strategic reform that aligns with Customs’ mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and inter-agency coordination.
With the NCS spearheading coordination and stakeholder engagement, the NSW project is expected to transform Nigeria’s trade environment, enhance revenue generation, and strengthen the country’s position in the global trading community.
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