Customs intensifies crackdown on smuggling at Apapa Port, seizes N921m worth of contraband

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has ramped up enforcement efforts across key entry points, seizing prohibited goods valued at over ₦921 million in a sweeping operation at the Apapa Port between January and April 2025.

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Custom Service – BASHIR ADEWALE ADENIYI said in alignment with the National Strategic Economic Development Plan and the Executive Order on Port Operations—comes amid growing concerns over the increasing sophistication of transnational smuggling networks. Intelligence reports have flagged a rise in attempts to smuggle unregistered pharmaceuticals, expired food items, and controlled technology into the country, particularly through the maritime channels.

The Apapa Command reported 11 major seizures comprising five 40-foot containers, two 20-foot containers, and four additional busts involving concealed contraband.

Amongst the seized items were unregistered Pharmaceuticals accounting for 63.7% of the total seizure value, these included sexual enhancement drugs and herbal medicines lacking mandatory approvals from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Other Seized containers are:Two containers of expired margarine products, each valued at over ₦120 million, condemned by court order; Over 110 drones and advanced telecommunications devices confiscated for lacking end-user certificates from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

A container falsely declared as omeprazole capsules was found to contain over 1,000 cartons of unregistered sildenafil tablets worth ₦143.2 million.

113 drones of various models, including 60 Warrior drones, were intercepted without proper documentation.

A consignment of herbal sexual enhancement tablets and body enhancement products was misdeclared as cosmetics.

The Comptroller General noted disturbing trends such as the strategic misclassification of goods, the diversification of smuggling tactics, and the use of origin countries with weaker pharmaceutical export controls.

In a statement, the Customs Service warned that these seizures point to “systematic business operations” rather than isolated incidents. The consistent valuation of pharmaceutical containers suggests an established pricing structure within organized smuggling syndicates.

The Customs Service emphasized ongoing cooperation with NAFDAC, NDLEA, and ONSA in tackling the intersection of illegal imports and national security threats. According to a joint operations report, unregulated pharmaceuticals are not only public health hazards but also potential revenue streams for criminal organizations and tools for enabling non-state actors.

In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the NCS recorded 22 narcotics interceptions totaling ₦730.7 million in value—an increase of 34.6% from the same period in 2024.

The Comptroller of Apapa Command praised officers for their vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming the Service’s zero-tolerance policy on regulatory violations.

“We serve notice to all stakeholders in the import-export chain: our intelligence and enforcement capabilities have been significantly enhanced. No concealment method will evade detection,” the statement read.

The NCS called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through official channels, stressing that collective effort is essential to maintaining border security and public safety.