The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has vowed that Apapa Port will not be allowed to become a conduit for security threats, following the interception of 13 containers carrying narcotics, codeine syrup, restricted drones, used clothing and expired consumer products valued at ₦43.59 billion.
Adeniyi made the declaration on Thursday, September 10, 2026, while briefing journalists at APM Terminals, Apapa Port, Lagos.
He said the seizures were the result of sustained intelligence-led operations, cargo profiling, documentary checks and targeted physical examinations by officers of the NCS.
According to him, the Service has also intensified collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and international security partners to strengthen enforcement at Nigeria’s ports.
“The seaport is where several of those pieces meet. Narcotics, controlled pharmaceuticals, restricted equipment and unsafe goods arrive in the same containers, through the same agents, under the same false declarations, and they are frequently handled by the same syndicates,” Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss disclosed that three containers contained a combined 15,245 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 7,624 kilogrammes.
Another container was found to contain 1,700 cartons of codeine syrup comprising 169,998 bottles, concealed beneath household items.
Customs officers also intercepted 108 high-definition dual-camera drones allegedly imported without the required security approvals and end-user certificates.
Adeniyi warned that importers of security-sensitive equipment must comply fully with all documentation requirements before such consignments can be cleared.
“Consignments of that character that arrive without them will be detained. The ports would not be allowed to become a route through which security-sensitive capabilities reach those working against the security of the country,” he said.
Beyond narcotics and restricted equipment, Customs also intercepted three containers carrying 1,282 bales of used clothing.
Five additional containers were found to contain expired products, including tomato ketchup, antiseptic liquid, vaginal tablets and disposable nappies.
Adeniyi described the importation of expired products meant for consumption or bodily use as a serious public health concern, particularly for children and women.
He said the seized consignments would be handed over to the relevant government agencies for further investigation and appropriate action.
The CGC commended officers and men of the Apapa Area Command, as well as personnel of the NDLEA, NAFDAC and international partners, for their cooperation and contribution to the successful interceptions.
Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the seizures underscored the command’s commitment to intelligence-led enforcement and its responsibility to prevent prohibited and harmful goods from entering the country.
Oshoba stressed the importance of sustained inter-agency collaboration in tackling illicit drug trafficking and other forms of smuggling, while assuring legitimate traders and stakeholders that the command would continue to facilitate lawful commerce.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to balancing effective enforcement with the promotion of legitimate trade at one of Nigeria’s busiest ports.
