In a sweeping operation aimed at curbing illicit imports and safeguarding national security, the Apapa Customs Command of Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of uncompromising Comptroller Babatunde Olomu PhD, has intercepted 16 containers loaded with contraband goods valued at over ₦10 billion. The announcement was made by Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, during a press briefing in Lagos.
According to him, the seizures were the result of targeted, intelligence-driven operations within Nigerian ports, bolstered by the deployment of non-intrusive inspection technologies such as scanners. Adeniyi emphasized that the crackdown reflects Customs’ renewed commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders from criminal exploitation.
Among the seized items was a 40-foot container (MRSU6407089), initially cleared but later re-examined jointly by Customs and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The second inspection revealed:
– 202 cans of “Colorado Loud” — a potent Canadian strain of cannabis, weighing 101kg
– Two pump-action rifles, 25 cartridges, a Smith & Wesson pistol, and 55 rounds of ammunition
– Additional firearm accessories
The consignee, a Lagos-based individual, is currently under investigation.
Other Seized Items include
– 7 containers of expired drugs and prohibited medicaments
– 3 containers of expired food items, including margarine
– 3 containers of banned used clothing
– 2 containers of expired tablets lacking NAFDAC registration
– 2 containers of frozen poultry products (1,290 and 1,296 sacks respectively)
– 1 container with 305 cartons of counterfeit toothpaste infringing on a Nigerian brand and unregistered with NAFDAC
Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizures:
– Three have been charged and remanded in prison pending trial
– Two are currently on administrative bail awaiting court dates
Customs intelligence suggests the suspects are part of a coordinated criminal network with international links. Two additional 40-foot containers, previously flagged and tracked, were intercepted upon arrival and are believed to be tied to the same syndicate.
The NCS has pledged to intensify collaboration with:
– NAFDAC
– NDLEA
– International customs organizations
This multi-agency approach aims to beat syndicates behind the illicit trade to their game and prevent Nigeria from becoming a dumping ground for dangerous goods.