Customs Seizes Drones, Narcotics, Others Worth N43.5bn at Lagos Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of surveillance drones, narcotics and expired pharmaceutical products with a combined value of ₦43.59 billion at the APM Terminals examination bay, Apapa Port, Lagos.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the seizures on Thursday while briefing maritime journalists in Lagos.

He said the intercepted items would be handed over to the relevant government agencies for further investigation and appropriate action.

Adeniyi explained that the seizures demonstrated the broader responsibilities of the Customs Service beyond its traditional role of revenue collection.

According to him, Customs officers play an important role in protecting Nigeria’s borders and preventing prohibited, dangerous and illegally imported goods from entering the country.

The interception of surveillance drones was particularly significant because of the potential security implications associated with the unauthorised importation and use of sophisticated unmanned aerial equipment.

The seized narcotics also highlighted the continuing efforts by government agencies to prevent illicit drugs from entering the Nigerian market through the nation’s ports.

The expired pharmaceutical products were equally intercepted as part of measures to protect Nigerians from potentially harmful medicines and other regulated products that do not meet safety requirements.

The seizures followed examination and inspection activities at the Apapa port, one of Nigeria’s major gateways for maritime trade.

The NCS has continued to intensify cargo examination and intelligence-led operations at ports and other points of entry as part of efforts to prevent smuggling and facilitate legitimate trade.

Adeniyi said the Service would continue to collaborate with other government agencies where seized items require specialised investigation, testing, prosecution or disposal.

He stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing threats associated with illicit trade and prohibited imports.

The development comes amid increasing emphasis on strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security and improving the effectiveness of cargo inspection at the country’s ports.

Beyond generating revenue from legitimate imports, Customs is mandated to enforce restrictions on prohibited goods, protect national economic interests and support efforts to safeguard public health and national security.

The latest seizures therefore underscore the multiple responsibilities of the Service in securing Nigeria’s borders while facilitating lawful international commerce.

The NCS said the seized items would remain subject to the required investigative and legal processes before final decisions are taken on their disposal or other appropriate action.