The Nigeria Customs Service Western Marine Command has made a significant bust, seizing contraband goods worth N352,952,200.
The seizure was revealed by the Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Ntadi, during a press conference at the Command’s headquarters in Ibafon-Apapa, Lagos on June 24, 2025.
The items seized include; * 2,017 bags of foreign parboiled rice with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N212,995,200
*481 loaves of Cannabis Sativa with a DPV of N50,505,000
*72 bundles of foreign plain material with a DPV of N71,280,000
*Seven bags of 50kg sugar with a DPV of N672,000
* Nine boats (four locally constructed fibre boats and five locally constructed wooden boats) with a DPV of N17,500,000.
The CAC attributed the success of the operation to the motivation from the Controller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, enhanced intelligence gathering, and improved collaboration with other security agencies such as the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Marine Police, and Immigration Service.
The Command has also deployed more patrol vessels along the coastlines and inland waterways to counter evolving smuggling tactics.
Ntadi urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illegal trade in waterways. He emphasised that collective efforts are essential in safeguarding the country’s economic integrity and social order.
The Area Controller expressed gratitude to the CGC and his management team for their support in the fight against smuggling operations. He also thanked sister agencies for their synergy and collaboration in making the operation a success.
He also assured that the Command will not relent in its fight against smuggling and illegal activities, committed to upholding the laws of the land, protecting citizens, and ensuring justice is served.