Apapa Customs: ‘Only legitimate trade will thrive here,’ Oshoba says after ₦26.57bn drug seizure

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has assured importers and other port users that while it intensifies its crackdown on smugglers and criminal syndicates, legitimate businesses will continue to enjoy seamless trade facilitation and regulatory support.

Oshoba

The assurance came from the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, following the interception of 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦26,569,847,771billion, concealed in a container carrying imported used vehicles at the Apapa Port.

Speaking while unveiling the seizure, Oshoba said the operation reflects the Command’s dual mandate of facilitating lawful trade and protecting the nation’s borders against the importation of prohibited items.

Sulaiman, Command PRO

In a release signed by Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, Public Relations Officer of the command, the controller stated, “This seizure once again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that only legitimate trade thrives at Apapa Port. As investigations continue, I want to reiterate that this Command has made the port a no-go area for anything prohibited under our laws,” he said.

The Customs boss noted that the illicit consignment was intercepted following credible intelligence and a joint examination conducted with officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to him, the 40-foot container, identified as FANU1933352, was found to contain 162 bags comprising 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, each weighing 500 grams, with a total weight of 4,143.5 kilograms.

The drugs were ingeniously concealed alongside three imported used vehicles—a 2015 Red Nissan Micra, a 2019 Black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 Grey Toyota Corolla. Four bags were hidden inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining bags were concealed beneath the container floor and in spaces between the vehicles.

Oshoba said the seizure underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement and the growing synergy between Customs and other security agencies in tackling transnational organised crime.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to implementing the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, which places equal emphasis on robust enforcement and the facilitation of legitimate trade.

Addressing concerns among importers and licensed customs agents, Oshoba stressed that enforcement operations are targeted strictly at criminal elements and should not discourage compliant traders.

“Let me use this opportunity to rebuild the confidence of our compliant traders and assure them once again that they will continue to enjoy the many trade facilitation incentives introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs. Our mission is to remove obstacles to legitimate business while dealing decisively with those engaged in smuggling and other illicit activities,” he stated.

He commended officers of the Apapa Area Command and personnel of the NDLEA for their vigilance, professionalism and dedication, noting that intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement have significantly strengthened the fight against drug trafficking and economic sabotage.

The Customs Area Controller added that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the failed importation, warning that individuals and syndicates attempting to use Nigeria’s seaports for trafficking narcotics and other prohibited goods would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The seized container has been forfeited in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, while the narcotics are expected to be handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

The latest interception further reinforces the Apapa Area Command’s position as one of the Nigeria Customs Service’s frontline commands in combating illicit trade while supporting the Federal Government’s drive to promote a secure, efficient and globally competitive port system.