Apapa Customs Seizes 12 Containers of ₦43.5 Billion Worth of Contraband

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted surveillance drones, narcotics, and expired pharmaceutical products valued at ₦43.5 billion in duty paid value at the APM Terminals examination bay, Apapa Port, Lagos.

At a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, September 10, 2026, Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, said the seizures highlight the Service’s broader security responsibilities under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. He emphasized that the Act mandates Customs not only to facilitate trade but also to safeguard the nation’s supply chain, protect its borders, and ensure the safety of goods entering the country.

A total of 12 containers were intercepted, with contents falling into three categories: narcotics and controlled pharmaceuticals, security-sensitive equipment, and expired goods intended for human use.

– Narcotics:
– 15,245 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 7,624kg (7.5 tonnes) concealed in cartons, bags, and drums.
– 169,998 bottles of codeine syrup hidden under household items.

– Security-Sensitive Equipment:
– 108 high-definition dual camera drones.

– Expired Goods:
– Tomato ketchup, antiseptic liquid, vaginal tablets, disposable nappies, and other expired consumables.
– 1,282 bales of used clothing across multiple containers.

Other seized items included foreign parboiled rice, automobile spare parts, lithium batteries, turmeric, mangala fish, butterfly fish, and assorted consumer goods.

Dr. Adeniyi noted that the seizures reflect the government’s whole-of-government approach to national security. He explained that Customs has strengthened cargo profiling and risk assessment, deployed the B’Odogwu platform to integrate trade data, and in July established an INTERPOL Data Centre at its Abuja headquarters—one of only eight in Africa—providing officers access to over 152 international databases.

The Service has also deepened cooperation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), NAFDAC, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and international partners.

The Comptroller General praised the vigilance and professionalism of officers at the Apapa Area Command and expressed gratitude to NDLEA, NAFDAC, and international partners for their collaboration.