The Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, has reaffirmed its Commitment to building a secure trading environment that protects our economy, safeguards public health and reinforces national security.
Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi gave the assertion on the occasion of the handover of seized narcotics and expired pharmaceutical products to the relevant agencies.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, the CG expressed joy, noting that the briefing is a manifestation of some of the conclusions reached at the 147th/148th Sessions of the meeting of the Council of World Customs Organisation in Brussels themed “Customs Protecting the Society through Vigilance and Commitment”.
According to the Comptroller General the unfolding event is a reflection of “the end product of diligent commitment to societal cause, driven and supported by collaboration between and among Agencies, within and across our national jurisdiction.”
This event coming just days after the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, reaffirms the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to protecting our borders, preserving the health of our citizens, safeguarding the future of our youth and strengthening national security through intelligence-driven border management. Adeniyi added
He gave details of the Nine (9) seizures recently recorded by the Apapa Area Command following painstaking intelligence gathering, scanning analysis, physical examination and active collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to comprise:
“a. i. A 1x40ft container with number CAAU7569127 found to contain 3,639 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Canadian Loud) weighing 1819.5 kilograms, concealed alongside three imported vehicles and assorted automobile spare parts.
ii. Another 1x40ft container with number HAMU3246311 conveying 9,918 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 4.95 metric tones, concealed alongside two imported vehicles and household items. Others include
b. i. A 1x40ft container with number MRKU3816476 conveying 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP) concealed with 38 cartons of insulated casserole dishes. ii. Another 1x40ft container with number TGBU5399178 conveying 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP) concealed inside 36 cartons of casserole products.
c. i. Similarly, a 1x40ft container with number HASU4519480
conveying 1,300 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol (Timakadol).
ii. 1x40ft container with number MRKU4961275 conveying 1,269 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Oxytocin injections, Mexclor Eye Drops and Carbamazepine tablets (Termigral brand).
iii. Another consignment in a 1x40ft container number PCIU8771576 comprising expired pharmaceutical products, including Cloxicillin capsules 100mg, Cynamine 12 Vitamin B12 injections and Becoline B-Complex injections. All intercepted for regulatory action.
d. A 1x20ft container with number MRKU 6964435 conveying Piccan Teething Powder.
e. Lastly, a 1x40ft container, No. TCKU7000791, conveying 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate
Capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC Registration Number (046646) and an expiry date of December 2028.”
CG, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi attributed the seizures to intelligence analysis and Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII). “This particular seizure at first glance, the consignment appeared legitimate. However, a detailed verification of the NAFDAC certificate presented by the declarant established that the product is, in fact, not registered with NAFDAC. The use of a fake registration number and supporting documentation clearly indicates a deliberate attempt to smuggle unregistered pharmaceutical products into the Nigerian market, thereby posing a serious risk to public health. Consequently, the consignment was seized in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and will be handed over to NAFDAC for further regulatory action and investigation.”
With a cumulative “Duty Paid Value of FiftyThree Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety-One Million, One Hundred and Forty Thousand and Twenty-Nine Naira (₦53,391,140,029.00) only, the seizures represent far more than monetary value. They represent lives protected, families preserved, communities secured and countless young Nigerians shielded from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and unsafe medicines.” The CGC added.
He noted that ” in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, narcotic drugs falling within the statutory jurisdiction of the NDLEA will today be formally handed over to the Agency for further investigation and prosecution. Similarly, expired pharmaceutical products will be transferred to NAFDAC for regulatory action and safe disposal. It is important to state that where prohibited items were concealed alongside vehicles, automobile spare parts or other imported goods, only the narcotic drugs and expired pharmaceuticals are being handed over today. The remaining goods shall remain in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service for seizure, forfeiture, condemnation, revenue recovery and other enforcement actions as provided by law.”
Commending the officers and men of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism, vigilance, unwavering dedication to duty and sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, the NDLEA, NAFDAC and other security agencies whose partnership continues to strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture, the Customs Comptroller General noted that the interceptions are demonstrations that “the Nigeria Customs Service possesses the intelligence capability, technological capacity and operational readiness to detect, intercept and dismantle these criminal enterprises.”
He also gave assurance that “the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to deepen collaboration with all relevant government agencies, the private sector and its international partners to deny criminal organisations the opportunity to exploit Nigeria’s ports and borders. Our resolve is unwavering; every intelligence lead will be pursued, every violation thoroughly investigated and every offender brought to justice in accordance with the law.*
While sounding a note of warning to those who seek to use Nigerian ports to traffic illicit drugs, expired pharmaceuticals or other prohibited goods, he said ” let today’s operation send a clear and unmistakable message that Nigeria’s ports are no longer safe havens for smugglers or organised criminal networks. Through technology, intelligence, coordinated border management and the professionalism of our officers, the Nigeria Customs Service is steadily closing the gaps previously exploited by criminal syndicates.
We shall continue to intercept, expose and prosecute all those who threaten our economy, compromise public health or undermine the security of our nation. Together with our partner agencies, we remain steadfast in protecting our borders, facilitating legitimate trade, preserving the health of our citizens and securing the future of our country.” He declared .