The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has intercepted 20 sacks of Cannabis Indica valued at ₦157.8 million and successfully carried out 21,414 container escort operations as part of its ongoing enforcement and trade facilitation efforts.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, the Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, disclosed that the seized drugs comprised 1,205 loaves of Cannabis Indica with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦157,830,000. He said the seizure was recorded during a recent anti-smuggling operation conducted by vigilant officers of the Command.
According to Ntadi, the illicit substances were carefully concealed and were suspected to have been unlawfully smuggled into the country through the waterways. He noted that the interception reflects the Command’s sustained commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime borders, protecting the economy, and upholding the rule of law.
The Customs boss explained that while the Command has intensified its enforcement activities, it has also remained focused on facilitating legitimate trade. Within the period under review, the Western Marine Container Escort Team successfully escorted 21,414 containers from the main seaports to various bonded terminals.
He said the escort operations ensured compliance with Customs regulations, enhanced transparency, and promoted the efficient movement of cargo across the port system.
“These achievements reaffirm the Command’s statutory responsibilities of revenue protection, border security, and trade facilitation,” Ntadi stated, adding that the Command remains resolute in its fight against smuggling and other criminal activities that threaten national security and economic stability.
The Area Controller attributed the successes recorded to the motivation and strategic leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, improved intelligence gathering, and effective inter-agency collaboration.
He listed collaborating agencies to include the Nigerian Navy, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Marine Police, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Ntadi assured the general public of the Command’s continued determination to combat smuggling and all forms of illegal activities, stressing that the Western Marine Command remains committed to enforcing the law, protecting citizens, and ensuring justice at all times.
…….Honours 2 Officers At Western Marine Command
The Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, has honoured two officers for outstanding performance during 2025.
Superintendent of Customs Moris Okauru received the Excellent Award, while Deputy Assistant Comptroller Okechukwu Okere was honoured with the Discipline Award.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ntadi presented the awards on Wednesday at the command’s premises in Lagos.
Ntadi urged officers to give their best to the service, saying dedication would attract recognition and appropriate rewards.
He commended Customs management for recognising the Western Marine Command as Best Performing Command, alongside the Excellent Award in 2025.
Ntadi praised officers who stayed away from their families for months, pledging enhanced motivation to enable greater commitment to duty.
Speaking, Apapa Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, thanked Ntadi for the opportunity to address officers of the command.
Oshoba stressed discipline, saying officers should embrace self-discipline rather than wait to be corrected by others.
“I urge you to see posting as a transition, not punishment,” Oshoba said, encouraging officers to adapt positively to redeployments.
He advised officers to use the World Customs Organisation Click platform for continuous training and improved professional relevance.
“The Click platform offers international-standard training anytime, ensuring officers remain relevant to the service and Nigeria,” he said.
Oshoba noted that Customs operations follow international standards, warning that officers who neglect knowledge development would stagnate professionally.
He urged officers to add value to themselves and the service, while cultivating healthy working relationships across all ranks.
Oshoba further encouraged officers to consult experienced colleagues to deepen their understanding of Customs operations.
Also speaking, PTML Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joe Anani, urged officers to dress well and improve their operational knowledge.
Anani stressed collaboration, saying it would enhance trade facilitation and strengthen efforts to suppress smuggling nationwide.
Similarly, Tin Can Island Port Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, urged officers to give their best for the service’s continuous progress.
Onyeka said long-standing professional relationships had helped their advancement, encouraging officers to be good ambassadors of the Nigeria Customs Service.
