Female Customs Officer Akpevwe Ogboru Returns Home After Historic 72-Day Motorbike Journey from Nigeria to Belgium and Back
Abuja, Nigeria — October 15, 2025 — History was made this week as Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Akpevwe Ogboru, a serving officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), returned home safely after completing a breathtaking 72-day solo motorbike expedition from Nigeria to Belgium and back.
Ogboru’s cross-continental adventure — dubbed “Ride for Women Inclusivity and Cross-Border Research” — has been hailed as a groundbreaking journey of endurance, courage, and advocacy for women’s empowerment in law enforcement and beyond.
Her return on October 11, 2025, marked the conclusion of a journey that spanned over ten countries, covering thousands of kilometers through some of the most demanding terrains in Africa and Europe.
The Journey: From Nigeria to Belgium and Back
The daring Customs officer began her journey on August 1, 2025, from Nigeria, embarking on what many considered an impossible mission — a solo motorcycle ride from West Africa to Europe.
Riding under her nickname “Tracta 2”, Ogboru traveled through multiple African countries, navigating rough roads, deserts, mountain passes, and unfamiliar environments. Her goal was to not only test her own endurance but to also raise awareness about women’s participation in cross-border operations and the importance of inclusivity in the security and public service sectors.
Her route reportedly took her across Niger, Algeria, Morocco, Spain, France, and Belgium, where she arrived triumphantly in early September.
At the Nigerian Embassy in Brussels, Ogboru was warmly received by embassy staff and members of the Nigerian community in Belgium. Her arrival symbolized the power of resilience, and her story quickly spread across diplomatic and media circles.
Following her engagements in Belgium, Ogboru began her return journey, retracing her path across Europe and the African continent before re-entering Nigeria through the Seme-Krake border post in Lagos State on October 11, 2025.
Official Welcome and Recognition
Upon her arrival, she was received by senior Customs officials, fellow officers, and excited citizens who gathered to celebrate her safe return.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, congratulated Ogboru for what he described as “an exceptional display of courage, patriotism, and resilience.” He noted that her achievement was not only a personal milestone but a historic moment for the entire Customs Service and Nigeria as a whole.
“Assistant Comptroller Akpevwe Ogboru has demonstrated that Nigerian women can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts in courage, strength, and determination,” Adeniyi said during the ceremony. “Her journey reflects the spirit of excellence, perseverance, and innovation that we want to see in public service.”
The Customs boss also emphasized that Ogboru’s journey aligned with the Service’s goal of promoting women’s participation and leadership in operational and administrative roles.
Inspiration Behind the Ride
According to Ogboru, the expedition was born out of a desire to inspire women — especially those in uniformed services — to believe in their strength and potential. She explained that her 72-day odyssey symbolized the breaking of barriers, not only in geography but also in mindset.
“I wanted to show that women are capable of anything, that we can be adventurous, daring, and determined,” she said. “This journey was about promoting inclusivity and also studying cross-border challenges that ordinary travelers face.”
Ogboru also highlighted that her journey doubled as a research mission on the realities of African cross-border mobility, customs procedures, and the challenges of traveling through multiple jurisdictions. She documented her experiences at checkpoints, border posts, and international crossings, aiming to contribute to future policy discussions on border management and interagency cooperation.
Challenges Along the Route
Ogboru’s adventure was not without difficulty. She faced extreme weather conditions, language barriers, mechanical breakdowns, and long stretches of isolation.
From the sweltering heat of the Sahara to the unpredictable rains in Europe, she encountered every imaginable road condition. There were reports of mechanical hitches in North Africa, nights spent camping in remote areas, and navigation challenges across unfamiliar roads.
Despite these obstacles, Ogboru pressed on with determination. “There were days I questioned myself,” she recounted. “But every kilometer I covered reminded me why I started. It was about representing Nigerian women — strong, resilient, and fearless.”
Her courage and optimism carried her through, earning her admiration from fellow bikers across borders, some of whom joined her briefly during certain segments of the journey.
Customs Service and Public Reactions
News of Ogboru’s successful journey has captured national attention. Across social media, Nigerians have poured out praise for her bravery, describing her as an “icon of courage” and “a national treasure.”
Colleagues within the Nigeria Customs Service have expressed pride, saying her feat has inspired a new wave of confidence among female officers.
Several officers noted that Ogboru’s journey has opened discussions about mental strength, endurance, and discipline — qualities vital for effective service in Customs operations.
Women’s advocacy groups and youth organizations have also celebrated her as a role model, urging institutions to provide greater support for women breaking new ground in unconventional spaces.
A Message for Women and Youth
Throughout her trip, Ogboru consistently emphasized the importance of women stepping outside societal limits. She encouraged women to dream big, explore, and pursue goals often considered unconventional.
Her message resonates deeply in a country where gender gaps persist in several professional fields. “Women must never be confined by stereotypes,” she said. “This journey was proof that the limits we perceive are only as real as we allow them to be.”
She also encouraged the youth to embrace discipline, planning, and courage in pursuing their dreams — regardless of background or gender.
The Significance of Her Journey
Ogboru’s feat goes beyond a personal achievement. It carries symbolic, institutional, and national significance:
- For Women in Security: Her success breaks stereotypes and promotes female representation in uniformed and operational roles.
- For the Nigeria Customs Service: It showcases the Service’s commitment to inclusivity, modern thinking, and support for personal excellence.
- For Nigeria’s Image Abroad: Her cross-continental journey projects a positive image of Nigeria’s resilience, determination, and creativity on the global stage.
- For Cross-Border Studies: Her firsthand observations can help policymakers understand practical challenges in road transport, customs operations, and international travel.
Institutional Support and Next Steps
The Customs Service has indicated plans to honor Ogboru formally and leverage her experiences for internal capacity building. She is expected to present a detailed report on her journey, highlighting lessons, challenges, and policy recommendations for improving cross-border facilitation and regional trade.
There are also proposals for her to mentor younger female officers and deliver motivational talks across various Customs commands nationwide.
The Service’s leadership has hinted at exploring partnerships with academic institutions and transport agencies to document and publish her experiences as part of research into regional connectivity and gender inclusion.
Public Expectations
Many Nigerians have called for official national recognition for Ogboru — including possible commendation from the Federal Government — for representing the country with dignity and excellence.
Civil society groups and motorcycling associations have suggested that her story be integrated into awareness campaigns promoting road safety, adventure tourism, and women’s empowerment.
As she settles back home, plans are reportedly underway for her to embark on a nationwide tour to share her story with schools, youth groups, and professional bodies.
Conclusion
Assistant Comptroller Akpevwe Ogboru’s 72-day Nigeria–Belgium–Nigeria motorbike expedition stands as one of the most remarkable modern tales of endurance and empowerment. Her achievement transcends borders — both literal and figurative — proving that courage and conviction know no gender.
By completing the journey, she has not only made history but also inspired a new generation of Nigerians, especially women, to dream beyond the boundaries of convention.
As the applause echoes across the country, Ogboru’s story will be remembered as a defining example of what it means to serve with purpose, to lead with courage, and to redefine possibilities — one kilometer at a time.
