CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi inspecting seizures at Apapa Customs Command during a visit
The Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, MFR, has saluted the intelligence, professional diligence and synergy with sister security agencies so far displayed by the leadership and staff of Apapa Command of the Service.
In his keynote address while handing over a number of seized contrabands by the Command to relevant agencies of the government, Adeniyi recalled that “Only last week, I had the special privilege of Charing the 147th/148th Sessions of the Council of World Customs Organisation in Brussels. Over a period of one week, Customs Administrations from 187 member-countries deliberated on the theme “Customs Protecting the Society through Vigilance and Commitment”. The Sessions also provided us the opportunity to engage with critical stakeholders like the International
Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and INTERPOL and deepen international cooperation to advance our societal protection mandate.”
Accordingly, the elated CGC made it clear that “I am happy to note that today’s briefing is indeed a manifestation of some of our conclusions at the Council meeting. It is indeed showcasing the end product of diligent commitment to societal cause, driven and supported by collaboration between and among Agencies, within and across our national jurisdiction.
He recalled further that “This event comes just days after the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, reaffirming the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to protecting our borders, preserving the health of our citizens, safeguarding the future of our youth and strengthening national security through intelligence-driven border management.
Adeniyi revealed that “Today’s briefing specifically relates to Nine (9) seizures recently recorded by the Apapa Area Command following painstaking intelligence gathering, scanning analysis, physical examination and active collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The seizures comprise:
- i. A 1x40ft container with number CAAU7569127 found to contain 3,639 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Canadian Loud) weighing 1819.5 kilograms, concealed alongside three imported vehicles and assorted automobile spare parts.
- Another 1x40ft container with number HAMU3246311 conveying 9,918 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 4.95 metric tones, concealed alongside two imported vehicles and household items. Others include
- i. A 1x40ft container with number MRKU3816476 conveying 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP) concealed with 38 cartons of insulated casserole dishes.
- Another 1x40ft container with number TGBU5399178 conveying 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP) concealed inside 36 cartons of casserole
products.
- i. Similarly, a 1x40ft container with number HASU4519480 conveying 1,300 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol (Timakadol).
- 1x40ft container with number MRKU4961275 conveying 1,269 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Oxytocin injections, Mexclor Eye Drops and Carbamazepine tablets (Termigral brand).
iii. Another consignment in a 1x40ft container number PCIU8771576 comprising expired pharmaceutical products, including Cloxicillin capsules 100mg, Cynamine 12 Vitamin B12 injections and Becoline B-Complex injections. All intercepted for regulatory action.
- A 1x20ft container with number MRKU 6964435 conveying Piccan Teething Powder.
- Lastly, a 1x40ft container, No. TCKU7000791, conveying 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC Registration Number (04- 6646) and an expiry date of December 2028. The seizure is made as a result of intelligence analysis and Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII). This particular seizure at first glance, the consignment appeared legitimate. However, a detailed verification of the NAFDAC certificate presented by the declarant established that the product is, in fact, not registered with NAFDAC. The use of a fake registration number and supporting documentation clearly indicates a deliberate attempt to smuggle unregistered pharmaceutical products into the Nigerian market, thereby posing a serious risk to public health. Consequently, the consignment was seized in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service
Act, 2023, and will be handed over to NAFDAC for further regulatory action and investigation.
Cumulatively, these 9 seizures have a Duty Paid Value of ₦53,391,140,029.00 only.
These seizures represent far more than monetary value. They represent lives protected, families preserved, communities secured and countless young Nigerians shielded from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and unsafe medicines.
Adeniyi made it clear that “The importation of expired pharmaceuticals and controlled substances poses a direct threat to public health, while the sophisticated concealment methods adopted by these criminal networks demonstrate their determination to exploit legitimate trade channels for illicit purposes. However, these interceptions equally demonstrate that the Nigeria Customs Service possesses the intelligence capability, technological capacity and operational readiness to detect, intercept and dismantle these criminal enterprises.
He added that “The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to deepen collaboration with all relevant government agencies, the private sector and our international partners to deny criminal organisations the opportunity to exploit Nigeria’s ports and borders. Our resolve is unwavering; every intelligence lead will be pursued, every violation thoroughly investigated and every offender brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The CGC further assured that “We remain committed to building a secure trading environment that protects our economy, safeguards public health and reinforces national security.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the CAC, Emmanuel Oshoba thanked the CGC for coming and assured him of more performance in view of all the assistance the Command has been getting from his leadership.
