Customs, NDLEA Intercept Cocaine Shipment at Lagos Port

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a vessel transporting a large quantity of cocaine.

According to the command, the seizure is a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to combat drug trafficking.

The vessel, MV Aruna, which is a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, was intercepted through a collaborative effort between the Nigerian Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The joint operation resulted in the seizure of 30.1 kilograms of cocaine.

The seizure occurred on Friday, the first working day of the New Year at the Greenview Terminal within Apapa Port, Lagos.

The illicit substance was carefully hidden aboard the ship, underscoring the sophisticated tactics employed by smugglers attempting to exploit the nation’s busiest seaport.

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller for Apapa Command, who confirmed the seizure, commended the officers from both agencies for their vigilance and professionalism.

“This achievement reflects the strong inter-agency synergy between federal government entities and our commitment to intelligence-led enforcement,” he stated.

“While criminal elements seek to outsmart us, our officers remain one step ahead, ensuring no smuggling attempt, whether disguised as import, export, or transit cargo, succeeds under my watch,” he added.

Comptroller Oshoba described the interception as a bold statement for 2026, noting that it reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance policy towards illicit trade.

In line with established protocols, the NDLEA has taken possession of the seized cocaine for further investigation and potential prosecution of those involved.

This latest bust marks the third major drug interception by the joint NCS-NDLEA team in recent weeks. Barely two weeks ago, the agencies seized 25.5kg of cocaine hidden in five bags aboard another vessel based on intelligence.

Additionally, on 11 December 2025, 1,187kg of “Canadian Loud”, a premium and highly expensive strain of cannabis, packaged in 2,374 parcels across 55 bags and concealed within imported vehicles in a 1x40ft container, was seized.

The Area Controller reiterated that the Apapa Port Command remained steadfast in its mandate to facilitate legitimate trade while safeguarding national security.

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