Customs Posseses Intelligence, Technology To Nab You, CGC Warns Criminals
*Commends Apapa Command
The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has warned criminals planning to bring in illicit items into the country to have a second thought, as the officers and men are well equipped with intelligence and technology to beat them to their game.
CGC Adeniyi gave the warning, while speaking at the handover of seized narcotic drugs to the NDLEA and expired/unregistered pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC on Wednesday July 1, 2026.
"However, these interceptions equally demonstrate that the Nigeria Customs Service possesses the intelligence capability, technological capacity and operational readiness to detect, intercept and dismantle these criminal enterprises," he said.
He said that the importation of expired pharmaceuticals and controlled substances poses a direct threat to public health, while the sophisticated concealment methods adopted by the criminal networks demonstrate their determination to exploit legitimate trade channels for illicit purposes.
"These 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," he added.
He explained that in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, narcotic drugs falling within the statutory jurisdiction of the NDLEA will 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," he informed.
He therefore, warned those who seek to use Nigeria's ports to traffic illicit drugs, expired pharmaceuticals or other prohibited goods, that success of the operation sends 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," he stressed.
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.
Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He commended the officers and men of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism, vigilance and unwavering dedication to duty.
"I equally appreciate the 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 Nigeria Customs Service will continue to deepen collaboration with all relevant government agencies, the private sector and our 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. We remain committed to building a secure trading environment that protects our economy, safeguards public health and reinforces national security," he assured.
The CGC disclosed that, "Cumulatively, these 9 seizures have a 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."
Giving a breakdown of the seizures, he said that 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.
"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
"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.
"Another 1x40ft container with number TGBU5399178 conveying 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP) concealed inside 36 cartons of casserole products.
"Similarly, a 1x40ft container with number HASU4519480 conveying 1,300 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol (Timakadol).
"1x40ft container with number MRKU4961275 conveying 1,269 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Oxytocin injections, Mexclor Eye Drops and Carbamazepine tablets (Termigral brand).
"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.
" A 1x20ft container with number MRKU 6964435 conveying Piccan Teething Powder.
"Lastly, a 1x40ft container, No. TCKU7000791, conveying 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC Registration Number (04-6646) and an expiry date of December 2028."
According to him, the seizure is made as a result of intelligence analysis and Non-Intrusive Inspection (NIII).
"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," he steessed.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller E.O.A. Oshoba, said that at the Apapa Area Command, they remain resolute in driving the Comptroller-General of Customs’ vision of a modern, technology-driven Customs that strikes the perfect balance between trade facilitation and aggressive enforcement.
"Through relentless intelligence-led operations, Non-Intrusive Inspection technology, and robust inter-agency collaboration, we are consistently intercepting prohibited and dangerous goods before they endanger our communities.
"Today’s handover sends a clear and strong message that the Nigeria Customs Service will not tolerate the infiltration of illicit drugs and falsified medicines into our nation. We are fully committed to enforcing the law and working seamlessly with our partners to ensure these substances are properly investigated, prosecuted and destroyed," he assured.
He commended the NDLEA, NAFDAC and all sister agencies for their steadfast partnership.
"Together, we are dismantling criminal networks and strengthening Nigeria’s enforcement framework.
"On behalf of the officers and men of Apapa Area Command, I express our deepest appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for his dynamic leadership and unwavering support.
"We are are deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development through efficient revenue collection, facilitation of legitimate trade and the protection of Nigeria’s safety and security. We remain fully aligned with your vision and policy direction and shall continue to discharge our duties with professionalism, integrity and total dedication.
"To our stakeholders and the media, thank you for your continued support and responsible reportage. You remain vital partners in promoting compliance and public awareness," he said.
