SEME COCAINE BUST: CUSTOMS, NDLEA STRENGTHEN SYNERGY FOLLOWING N1BN SEIZURE
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By: Fasasi Hammad
In a major victory against transnational drug trafficking, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has handed over a substantial cocaine seizure worth N1 billion, alongside an apprehended suspect and the conveyance vehicle, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) in Lagos.
The handover, conducted at FOU Zone A, highlighted the impact of vigilant border security and strong inter-agency collaboration. Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adeniyi, explained that in the early hours of February 10 (03:00hrs), alert NCS officers intercepted a Toyota Highlander along the strategic Badagry-Seme corridor. The vehicle was found to be carrying 22 packages of a substance suspected to be cocaine, totaling approximately 25 kilograms.
A male suspect, identified as Adeniran Aliyu, was arrested at the scene, and preliminary investigations indicate that the illicit consignment originated from Ghana.
Represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Enforcement, Timi Bomodi, CG Adeniyi underlined the significance of the seizure, noting that it was carried out under the authority of Section 55(1)(c) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the Service to enforce prohibitions aimed at protecting public health, safety, and national security.
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“This seizure aligns directly with our mandate to safeguard the health and lives of Nigerians,” Adeniyi stated. “Our role extends beyond revenue collection and trade facilitation; it is a solemn responsibility to protect society.”
Emphasizing the critical partnership with the NDLEA, Adeniyi formally handed over the drugs, suspect Aliyu, and the vehicle, stressing that the action followed the NDLEA Act and reinforced the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the agencies.
“Through intelligence-driven operations, collaboration with partner agencies like the NDLEA, and adherence to the rule of law, the Nigeria Customs Service remains vigilant, adaptable to emerging threats, and unwavering in our commitment to a safer, healthier Nigeria,” the Comptroller-General declared.
Receiving the handover, Commander Abubakar Liman Wali of the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command commended the NCS for its proactive measures.
“This handover demonstrates the effectiveness of our Memorandum of Understanding and reinforces our united effort to dismantle cross-border drug trafficking networks threatening Nigeria,” Commander Wali said.
He assured that the NDLEA would conduct thorough investigations, including field tests and forensic analysis of the exhibits, to ensure that all individuals involved in the N1 billion cocaine shipment are brought to justice. “The NDLEA remains fully committed to working hand-in-hand with partner agencies like Customs to protect Nigeria and its citizens from illicit drugs and related crimes,” he concluded.
This significant seizure and seamless handover underscore the strengthened cooperation and resolve of Nigeria’s security agencies in curbing the flow of dangerous narcotics across the nation’s borders, marking a key step toward enhanced national security and public health protection.
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