By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has struck a decisive blow against smugglers, intercepting sixteen containers of prohibited and dangerous goods valued at over ₦10 billion in a sweeping intelligence-led operation at the Apapa Area Command, Lagos.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made the announcement during a press briefing on Monday, 11 August 2025, flanked by senior representatives from the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
Adeniyi explained that the seizures were the result of sustained intelligence-driven operations designed to protect the nation from harmful imports and enforce trade laws without compromise. He revealed that the containers held a disturbing mix of contraband, including prohibited drugs, expired medicines, spoiled food items, and banned used clothing.
One container that had initially passed inspection was re-examined after fresh intelligence flagged it as suspicious, leading to the discovery of two hundred and two cans of ‘Colorado Loud’, a potent Canadian hard drug, weighing one hundred and one kilograms. Concealed further inside were two pump-action rifles, twenty-five ammunition cartridges, a pistol with fifty-five rounds, and related accessories.
The consignment was traced to a Lagos resident identified as Babatunde Ogidiolu. Other seizures included expired drugs and prohibited medicaments, expired food products such as margarine, and absolutely prohibited used clothing.
The Customs chief vowed that the Service would continue working closely with sister agencies to prevent harmful, substandard, and counterfeit products from entering Nigerian markets.
He emphasised that the Service’s commitment to safeguarding the national economy and the well-being of Nigerians remained unshaken, assuring that enforcement would continue to be uncompromising and intelligence-driven.
Representatives of sister agencies present at the briefing commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance. CP Alamutu Abiodun (Rtd), Director of the South-West Zone for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, described the interception of arms and ammunition as a significant contribution to efforts aimed at curbing the proliferation of small arms in the country.
He said every breakthrough by Customs helped solve a large part of the challenges security agencies collectively face and wished the Service continued success in its operations.
This latest interception delivers a clear warning to criminal networks that Nigeria’s borders remain under watchful eyes, and the Customs Service is ready to act.
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