In a feat that has inspired admiration across borders, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Akpevwe Ogboru has become the first female officer in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to complete a solo motorcycle expedition from Nigeria to Belgium and back, traversing more than 22 countries across Africa and Europe in just 72 days.
Popularly known on the road as “Rocky” or “Tracta 2,” Ogboru embarked on her daring adventure on August 1, 2025, departing Nigeria and riding through challenging terrains before arriving at the Nigerian Embassy in Brussels on September 4, 2025 — after covering over 10,265 kilometres through at least ten countries on the outbound leg.
She began her return trip shortly after and successfully rode back into Nigeria on October 11, 2025, through the Seme–Krake Joint Border Post, where she was warmly received by senior Customs officials, colleagues, and supporters.
Ogboru said her journey was a testament to courage, resilience, and women’s empowerment. She noted that the expedition formed part of her campaign tagged “Ride for Women Inclusivity and Cross-Border Research,” aimed at challenging stereotypes and promoting gender equity in uniformed services.
“At every point when the road got tough — with breakdowns, harsh weather, or language barriers — I reminded myself that this ride was not just for me,” she said. “It was for every woman who needs to believe she can do anything.”
Receiving her at the border, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, who represented the NCS management, hailed Ogboru’s bravery, describing her as “a bold representation of what the Nigerian woman can achieve with focus and discipline.”
READ ALSO: Customs Gives December 2025 Deadline to Switch to AEO Programme
He added that the Service remained committed to fostering innovation, personal growth, and gender inclusivity among its officers in line with the Customs’ ongoing reform agenda.
Ogboru’s trailblazing expedition has since drawn applause across Nigeria and beyond, with many describing her as a symbol of endurance, national pride, and inspiration to women in public service.
Her 72-day transcontinental journey — spanning 22 countries and thousands of kilometres — now stands as one of the most remarkable solo motorcycle adventures ever undertaken by a Nigerian, underscoring both her individual grit and Nigeria’s growing global presence in unconventional pursuits.