The Nigeria Customs Service on Friday announced the interception of 25 kilograms of cocaine valued at over N1 billion along the Seme Border.
The seizure was confirmed during the handover of the drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Ikeja by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. He was represented at the event by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Timi Bomodi.
Adeniyi said one suspect was promptly arrested in connection with the seizure.
According to him, the interception occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at approximately 3 a.m. along the Badagry-Seme axis. Customs officers stopped a Toyota Highlander carrying 22 packages suspected to contain cocaine, with a total weight of 25 kilograms.
“This timely interception was not by chance, but the result of actionable intelligence acted upon swiftly by our Seme Area Command under the leadership of Comptroller Wale Adenuga,” he said.
He commended the professionalism, alertness, and dedication of the officers involved, stating that the operation demonstrates the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to safeguarding the nation from narcotic trafficking.
The seizure was carried out under the authority of Section 55(1)(c) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the Service to enforce restrictions on imports and exports affecting public health and safety. Following the provisions of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2024, the cocaine, the Toyota Highlander used for conveyance, and the arrested suspect were formally handed over to ACG N Abubakar Liman Wali, Commander of NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command.
Adeniyi highlighted that the operation underscores the close collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA through intelligence sharing and joint operations.
He also tied the operation to the recent International Customs Day 2026, observed under the World Customs Organization’s theme: “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment.” He said the seizure exemplifies the theme, showing that Customs officers act daily to intercept threats such as smuggling, illicit trade, and narcotics trafficking.
“The Service’s commitment extends beyond revenue collection or trade facilitation; it is a pledge to protect society. By acting decisively on intelligence, collaborating with NDLEA, and upholding the law, we demonstrate vigilance in action,” Adeniyi said.
He concluded by praising the officers’ efforts and reaffirmed the Customs Service’s dedication to integrity and professionalism. “To our partners in NDLEA: thank you for your collaboration. To the Nigerian public: rest assured that your Nigeria Customs Service is fully committed to protecting you and our nation,” he added.
