Customs Intercepts N1bn Cocaine At Lagos Border

The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 25 kilograms of cocaine valued at over N1 billion along the Seme border in Lagos State.

Speaking on Friday during the formal handover of the illicit substance and a suspect to officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that one suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.

Adeniyi, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Timi Bomodi, said the suspect was apprehended in the early hours of Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

According to the Customs CG, officers of the command intercepted a Toyota Highlander conveying 22 packages of substances suspected to be cocaine.

“In the early hours of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at approximately 0300 hours along the Badagry-Seme axis, our dedicated officers intercepted a Toyota Highlander vehicle conveying 22 packages of substances suspected to be cocaine. The total weight of the illicit consignment is 25 kilograms,” he said.

He explained that the successful operation was driven by credible intelligence and swift action by officers of the Seme Area Command, led by Comptroller Wale Adenuga.

“I commend the professionalism, alertness, and unwavering commitment displayed by our officers in this operation. Their actions have once again demonstrated the Nigeria Customs Service’s resolve to safeguard our borders and protect our society from the scourge of narcotic trafficking.

“This seizure aligns perfectly with the provisions of Section 55(1)(c) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the Service to enforce prohibitions and restrictions on imports and exports relating to the protection of the health and life of humans, animals, or plants-clearly encompassing the fight against dangerous narcotics that threaten public health and national security.

“Furthermore, in line with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2024, and to strengthen the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between our two agencies, the suspected cocaine, the means of conveyance (the Toyota Highlander vehicle), and the arrested suspect have been formally handed over to ACG N Abubakar Liman Wali, Commander of the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command,” he explained.

He noted that the seamless collaboration underscored the shared commitment of both agencies to combat drug trafficking through coordinated efforts, intelligence sharing, and joint operations.

“This achievement comes in the wake of our recent celebrations of International Customs Day 2026, observed under the World Customs Organization’s inspiring theme: ‘Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment.’ This theme resonates profoundly with what we have just accomplished.

“Every day, our officers stand as the first line of defense, exercising vigilance to detect and intercept threats that endanger our communities-be it smuggling, illicit trade, or the trafficking of narcotics like cocaine that destroy lives, fuel crime, and undermine societal well-being,” he added.

The CG stressed that the Service’s mandate extends beyond revenue generation and trade facilitation to safeguarding the society.

“By acting decisively on intelligence, by collaborating with sister agencies like the NDLEA, and by upholding the rule of law, the Nigeria Customs Service embodies this theme in action.

“We remain steadfast in our vigilance, adaptive in the face of evolving threats, and unyielding in our dedication to a safer, healthier Nigeria. To our gallant officers at Seme and across all commands: your sacrifices do not go unnoticed,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism.

“To our partners in the NDLEA: thank you for your partnership; together, we are stronger. To the Nigerian public: rest assured that your Nigeria Customs Service is fully committed to protecting you and our nation,” he added.