In a decisive crackdown on cross-border narcotics trafficking, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 25 kilogrammes of cocaine valued at over ₦1 billion along the Seme border corridor, delivering a major setback to a suspected transnational drug cartel.
The landmark seizure, one of the largest recorded this year, was made on February 10, 2026, when vigilant Customs operatives intercepted a Toyota Highlander suspected to be conveying illicit goods. A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered 22 carefully concealed and tightly wrapped parcels of cocaine.
One suspect was apprehended in connection with the haul.
Speaking at the formal handover of the seized drugs, vehicle, and suspect to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Lagos Strategic Command in Ikeja, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the operation as a product of “precise, intelligence-driven enforcement”.
According to him, the successful interception was spearheaded by officers of the Seme Area Command under the leadership of Comptroller Wale Adenuga, whose vigilance and operational discipline led to the breakthrough.
“This seizure sends a strong and unmistakable message that Nigeria’s borders will not be exploited as corridors for criminal enterprises trafficking in hard drugs.
“Our officers remain resolute, coordinated, and unwavering in their commitment to safeguarding the nation from the devastating impact of illicit narcotics”, Adeniyi stated.
The Comptroller General commended the officers involved for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Service’s zero-tolerance stance on drug smuggling and other forms of transnational crime.
The development also underscores the deepening collaboration between the NCS and NDLEA, anchored on strengthened intelligence sharing and joint enforcement operations aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks operating across Nigeria’s borders.
With this latest interception, Customs authorities have once again demonstrated their heightened surveillance capacity and determination to disrupt criminal supply chains threatening national security and public health.