Drug Seizures at Nigerian Seaports Exceed N45bn in 2026

The Sea Empowerment & Research Centre (SERC) reported that 109,306.75 kilograms (109.3 tonnes) of illicit drugs, with an estimated street value exceeding N45bn, were intercepted at Nigeria’s seaports during the first half of 2026. This alarming statistic underscores the increasing use of Nigeria’s maritime gateways by international drug trafficking syndicates.

SERC, in its special mid-year maritime security & blue economy bulletin signed by Head of Research Eugene Nweke, noted that while these interceptions reflect improved intelligence and inter-agency collaboration, they also reveal a troubling trend of organized crime exploiting maritime trade routes. The report warns that the persistent use of Nigerian ports for drug trafficking could damage the country’s international trade reputation and attract stricter inspections, leading to delays and reduced investment.

SERC advocates for a shift from seizure-based enforcement to intelligence-led prevention, recommending the use of AI-driven cargo profiling and enhanced collaboration among various security agencies.