The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted prohibited goods valued at ₦10 billion and arrested five suspects. The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Monday at the Command’s headquarters.
Adeniyi noted the continued interception of unregistered and expired pharmaceutical products in the country, particularly from recent seizures at Onne.
He said that the Service’s anti-smuggling operations are part of its core mandate and help strengthen cooperation with other agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to him, sixteen containers were found to contain prohibited drugs, expired medicaments, expired food and other items in breach of import guidelines, including arms and ammunition.
In a joint examination with the NDLEA on 24 July 2025, a 40-foot container was found to hold 202 cans of cannabis, totalling 101 kilograms, alongside two pump action rifles, ammunition, a pistol and accessories.
The consignment was falsely declared as vehicles, with the consignee listed as Babatunde Ogidiolu Samuel. Two suspects, identified as Modi Azuka of No. 1 Miracle Street, Ago Palace Way, and Lisa Akpedeme, were arrested in connection with the drugs and weapons.
Adeniyi said the Service also intercepted containers holding frozen poultry products, unregistered toothpaste, footwear concealed among other goods, clothing items and codeine syrup. Additional seizures included expired margarine, used clothing, animal feed and unregistered pharmaceuticals.
He stated that the seized arms would be handed to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, drugs to the NDLEA, and suspects to relevant agencies for investigation and prosecution.
He added that newly deployed scanners at Apapa Port have already begun detecting prohibited goods.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to safeguarding the national economy and public health, using intelligence and collaboration with partner agencies to identify and intercept illegal imports. He warned that individuals involved in smuggling would face legal consequences.
Director of Ports and Inspection at NAFDAC, Olaniran Olakunle, urged Nigerians to avoid purchasing unregistered medicines, warning that such products may be harmful and ineffective.