The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has recorded a major breakthrough against drug trafficking with the seizure of 30.1 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed onboard a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel at Apapa Port, Lagos.
The interception took place on Friday, January 2, 2026, the first working day of the year, at the Greenview Terminal of the nation’s busiest seaport. The illicit drugs, comprising 30 slabs of cocaine, were discovered hidden aboard the vessel, MV Aruna, following intelligence-led operations by officers of both agencies.
Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, commended the officers involved for their vigilance and professionalism, describing the seizure as a strong signal of the command’s resolve in the new year.
According to him, the success reflects the growing synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, particularly the NDLEA, in tackling transnational crimes. He stressed that despite the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by smugglers, officers remain ahead through effective intelligence gathering and collaboration.
Comptroller Oshoba noted that the interception sends a clear message that the Apapa Command maintains a zero-tolerance stance against illicit trade and criminal exploitation of the port system. He added that the NDLEA has taken custody of the seized cocaine in line with established procedures for further investigation and prosecution of those involved.
The latest seizure represents the third major drug interception by the joint NCS–NDLEA team within a few weeks. About two weeks earlier, the agencies intercepted 25.5 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in five bags aboard another vessel based on actionable intelligence.
Similarly, on December 11, 2025, a total of 1,187 kilogrammes of “Canadian Loud,” a high-value strain of cannabis, packaged in 2,374 parcels across 55 bags, was seized. The substance was concealed within imported vehicles in a 40-foot container.
The Customs Area Controller reaffirmed that the Apapa Port Command remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring the protection of national security through sustained enforcement and inter-agency cooperation.
