The gains of the strategic alliance between the TinCan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and other sister agencies has begun yeilding very significant results.
Briefing the press on the seizure and handing over of illicit drugs, Thursday, Customs Area Controller of the TinCan Island Port, Comptroller Frank Onyeka said the significant operational
breakthrough recorded by the Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria
Customs Service in collaboration with our strategic partners, the
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Tincan Island Port Strategic
Command is what we are witnessing today.
He explained that following credible intelligence and sustained inter-agency
cooperation, officers of the Command, working jointly with personnel of
the NDLEA, conducted a 100% physical examination on a Container with
Container No. HAMU429966/1, which has been red-flagged from intelligence
gathered. The container which originated from Canada was initially
declared to contain only used vehicles. However, upon thorough examination it was discovered to contain One hundred and eighty-five (185) jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica concealed with one used 2010 Toyota Camry and one used 2023 Chevrolet Colorado.
Further examination, he stated, revealed that the seized Cannabis Indica comprised 9,458 packages, with a total weight of 4,729 kilograms, and an estimated street value of ₦18,916,000,000.00 (Eighteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Sixteen Million Naira).
According to Controller Onyeka, “this significant seizure demonstrates the vigilance, professionalism, and dedication of our officers, and affirms the strength of our collaboration with sister agencies.
‘Today, we formally hand over these illicit drugs to the National Drug
Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution in line
with their statutory mandate.”
Explaining further, Onyeka maintained that the achievement is particularly significant as it comes shortly after
the historic agreement between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
and the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen inter-agency synergy against drug trafficking and organized crime, buttressing that the MOU framework signed on April 27, 2026, at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer,
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), and the Comptroller-General of
Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD, establishing that the headquarter of the standing inter Agency committee be domiciled at the National Drug
Law Enforcement Agency Headquarters, Abuja, is already yielding tangible results.
As part of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the agreement,
both agencies are to follow on strengthening inter-agency collaboration
through regular engagements, structured intelligence sharing, and develop coordinated operational guidelines to ensure seamless collaboration.
Onyeka applauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR psc(+) PhD, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support in strengthening operational capacity and inter-agency collaboration, as well as the leadership and personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for their professionalism, cooperation, and dedication to safeguarding our nation from the menace of illicit drugs.
“To our critical stakeholders, including port operators, security agencies, and members of the media, we thank you for
your continuous support and partnership. Your role in information dissemination and public awareness is invaluable.
‘While reaffirming that the Tincan Island Port Command remains resolute in its commitment to intensifying synergy with all relevant agencies to secure our borders and ports. We will continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies and robust enforcement measures to combat smuggling and illicit trade.” Onyeka stated.
He also sounded a clear warning to all smugglers and criminal elements that the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with its partners, is fully prepared and determined to detect, intercept, and prosecute all forms of illegal activities, insisting that there will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs.
In concluding, he restated the dedication and commitment of the men and officers of his Command to protecting Nigeria’s economy, safeguarding public health, and ensuring national security.
TinCan Island Port Customs Command,