The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted six containers laden with contraband valued at over N3.2 billion, in a renewed and strategic offensive against smuggling.
The seized items include unregistered pharmaceuticals, stolen luxury vehicles, and prohibited used clothing.
Addressing the press, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, revealed that the Command has already surpassed its revenue target, recording an unprecedented N1.094 trillion as of May 21, 2025. This achievement underscores the Command’s growing efficiency in trade facilitation and enforcement.
Detailing the high-profile seizures, Comptroller Olomu credited the success to enhanced intelligence, vigilant enforcement, and strategic collaboration with both local and international agencies.
Two containers—SUDU 8685733 and MRSU 4846204—were found to contain 3,388 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup concealed within toilet fittings. Valued at N2.71 billion, this seizure was made possible through joint operations with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and formed part of the World Customs Organization’s Operation Stop IV, a global initiative aimed at halting the flow of illicit medical supplies.
In a similar vein, container ONEU 1153150, which was falsely declared as carrying truck tyres, was discovered to be loaded with 1,584 packs of unapproved skin-lightening creams. Another container, MRSU 3258823, held unauthorized pharmaceuticals cleverly disguised as kitchenware.
In a separate interception, two stolen Lexus SUVs (2023–2024 models) smuggled from Canada were recovered from container MRKU 0904594. Additionally, container SEKU 4716830 was found to contain 390 bales of prohibited used clothing, further violating Nigeria’s import regulations.
Revenue Achievements and Renewed Vigilance
Highlighting revenue breakthroughs, Comptroller Olomu announced that the Command recorded its highest-ever single-day collections: N18.9 billion on March 14, 2025, and N18.919 billion on May 20, 2025. These figures reflect the Command’s commitment to maximizing government revenue while maintaining a strong regulatory presence at the port.
Emphasizing the NCS’s enforcement philosophy, Comptroller Olomu stated:
“While trade facilitation remains a priority, we place a higher premium on public safety. The Nigeria Customs Service will not relent in protecting Nigerians from merchants of death trafficking harmful goods into the country.”
He also disclosed that three suspects connected to the seizures are currently under investigation and will face prosecution. Issuing a stern warning to criminal elements, Olomu declared the Apapa Port a ‘no-go zone’ for unlawful activities, affirming the Command’s readiness to detect all forms of concealment and enforce full compliance with Nigeria’s import laws.
Reinforcing the NCS Mandate
These successful operations reinforce the Nigeria Customs Service’s dual mandate of revenue generation and border security. Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Service continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and public health from the dangers of illicit trade.
