Nigeria Customs Service seizes N6.19 billion in contraband

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, intercepted smuggled goods valued at N6.19 billion over four weeks, including 3.4 tonnes of cannabis and 23,220 machetes. Acting Comptroller Oladapo Afeni disclosed these details during a news conference in Lagos.

The unit recorded 195 seizures of prohibited and restricted goods, attributing the interceptions to enhanced intelligence gathering and collaboration with various security agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Police Force, and others. Afeni emphasized the role of public cooperation in combating smuggling and urged citizens to report suspicious activities.

The seizures included 5,986 parcels of cannabis sativa and indica, 400 grams of cocaine, and other restricted substances. Additionally, the unit generated N683.66 million through compliance checks and scrutiny of import declarations between September 30 and November 3, 2026.

This operation adds to previous major seizures by the NCS, highlighting ongoing efforts to tackle smuggling and drug trafficking.