Nigeria – Intelligence-Led Customs Operation Uncovers ₦6.38bn Drugs at Apapa
The Nigerian Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has announced the seizure of 13 containers loaded with expired pharmaceuticals, codeine-based products, cannabis and other prohibited items with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦6.38 billion at Apapa Port.
CGC Adeniyi disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, at APM Terminals, Apapa, describing the seizures as a major outcome of the Service’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy and deployment of advanced cargo inspection technologies.
He explained that expanding scanning technology remains central to the Service’s modernisation agenda, noting that the initiative would allow officers to concentrate physical inspections on high-risk shipments while facilitating faster clearance for compliant traders across major commands.
“As the volume of trade passing through Nigerian ports continues to grow, the responsibility placed on the NCS becomes even greater. While our mandate requires us to facilitate legitimate trade, we must also ensure that our ports are not exploited by criminal networks attempting to introduce dangerous, prohibited or falsely declared goods into the country”, he stated.
The CGC said the intercepted consignments included large quantities of expired pharmaceutical products, unregistered drugs, 800 cartons of codeine concealed inside sanitary wares, cannabis, restricted security equipment and expired food items.
Adeniyi warned that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses a serious threat to public health and national security.
“Let me state clearly that Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation.”
“In accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, these consignments are liable to outright forfeiture, while penalties will be imposed, evaded revenues recovered and all persons connected to these shipments will face prosecution,” he concluded.
Nigeria Customs Service
