The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command (WMC), has announced the interception of contraband goods worth N352 million, including large quantities of foreign rice, cannabis sativa, and other prohibited items smuggled into the country via the Badagry waterways and surrounding coastal routes.
Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday during the official handover of the seized cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, said the seizures were made in a two-month operation that disrupted several smuggling networks.
Among the items seized were:
-
2,017 bags of foreign rice valued at N212 million
-
481 loaves of cannabis sativa valued at N50 million
-
Seven sacks of 50kg sugar worth N672,000
-
72 rolls of foreign plain materials estimated at N71 million
-
Nine wooden boats used in transportation of the smuggled items, worth N17.5 million
“These seizures represent a significant blow to the criminal networks involved in illicit trade,” Ntadi said, emphasizing the importance of sustained maritime security and patrols to safeguard Nigeria’s economic integrity.
He attributed the command’s success to the strategic leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and emphasized enhanced intelligence sharing, increased patrols, and stronger inter-agency collaboration as key enablers of the breakthrough.
“We remain vigilant and proactive, continually updating our strategies to counter evolving smuggling tactics,” Ntadi stated.
As part of Tuesday’s event, Ntadi officially handed over the confiscated cannabis to Emmanuel Morrison, Acting Commander of the NDLEA Marine Command, reiterating the Customs Service’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal drug trafficking.
He urged the general public to be vigilant and actively support the fight against smuggling by reporting suspicious activities, particularly along Nigeria’s waterways.
“Our collective efforts are essential in safeguarding our country’s economic integrity and social order,” Ntadi concluded, vowing that the WMC would not relent in enforcing the law and protecting national interests.
This development comes amid renewed efforts by the Nigerian government to bolster border security and tackle the growing challenge of cross-border smuggling and drug trafficking, particularly through Nigeria’s expansive and vulnerable coastal routes.
