In a decisive blow to transnational narcotics networks, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command, in synergy with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) , have intercepted 30.1 kilograms of cocaine at the Lagos Apapa Port. This high-profile seizure underscores an intensified commitment to securing Nigeria’s port against illicit trade through seamless inter-agency intelligence sharing.
On January 2, 2026, during a search of the MV Aruna at the Greenview Terminal, a significant quantity of illicit material was discovered. The material was professionally concealed within the vessel, reflecting the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by certain groups targeting Nigeria’s busiest seaport.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, characterized the interception as a definitive statement of the Command’s 2026 strategic resolve. He lauded the personnel from both the NCS and NDLEA for their unwavering vigilance and the sophisticated, intelligence-led synergy that made this breakthrough possible.
This seizure is a clear demonstration of the strong inter-agency synergy among federal government institutions and our collective commitment to intelligence-led enforcement.
While criminal networks continue to devise new ways to outsmart law enforcement, our officers remain one step ahead. No smuggling attempt whether disguised as import, export or transit cargo will succeed under my watch.”
In a seamless transition of authority, the NDLEA has taken custody of the seized narcotics for further investigation.
However, justice is now in motion as the NDLEA prepares to prosecute those responsible for the shipment.
This latest bust is the third in a high-impact series of operations by the joint task force. Only two weeks prior, the team successfully intercepted 25.5kg of cocaine on the Brazilian-flagged MV San Antonio, adding to a string of successes that includes the December 11 discovery of 1,187kg of high-grade ‘Canadian Loud’ cannabis.
It could be recalled On Thursday, December 11, 2025, operatives successfully disrupted a large-scale smuggling attempt, seizing 1,187 kilograms of premium ‘Canadian Loud’ cannabis. The contraband was discovered during a tactical inspection of a 40-foot container, where 2,374 parcels were found hidden inside imported vehicles.
While reiterating the Command’s strategic mandate, Comptroller Oshoba emphasized that facilitating legitimate trade remains a top priority, second only to the Command’s unwavering commitment to public safety. Apapa Port maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for illicit operations, prioritizing national security in every inspection.
This significant interception underscores the government’s resolve to fortify Nigeria’s gateways against criminal exploitation. By neutralizing high-value shipments at the source, authorities are effectively dismantling the international trafficking networks that attempt to use our ports as conduits for illicit trade.
