The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted smuggled items, including rice, cannabis, and foreign textiles, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦352,952,200.
The seizures comprise 2,017 bags of rice, 481 loaves of cannabis sativa, 72 bundles of foreign textiles, 7 bags of sugar, 4 locally constructed fibre boats, and 5 locally constructed wooden boats.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Command in Ibafon-Apapa, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
“It is no longer acceptable to treat security lapses with levity especially now that Nigeria is contending with multiple security challenges. Over the past few weeks, our disciplined and dedicated officers have conducted a series of targeted operations along our maritime routes.
“These operations have resulted in the interception of various shipments of illegal and smuggled goods, which threaten the economic stability and social well-being of our nation. These seizures represent a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N352,952,200 (Three hundred and fifty two million, nine hundred and fifty two thousand, two hundred Naira),” Comptroller Ntadi stated.
He highlighted the worth of the seized items as follows; the 2,017 bags of foreign parboiled rice has a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦212,995,200, 7 sacks of 50kg sugar worth ₦672,000, and 72 rolls of foreign plain material with DPV of ₦71,280,000.
Others are 481 loaves of cannabis sativa worth ₦50,505,000 and 9 boats with DPV of ₦17,500,000.
Ntadi noted that the seizures represent a significant blow to criminal networks involved in illicit trade and smuggling activities and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders and ensuring that lawful trade and commerce thrive within the economy.
He attributed the success to the leadership and motivation from the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as well as enhanced intelligence gathering and improved collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Marine Police and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
“We also owe our success to the deployment of more patrol vessels along the coastlines and inland waterways. We remain vigilant and proactive, continually updating our strategies to counter evolving smuggling tactics,” he said.
The Comptroller urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illegal trade in the waterways, emphasising that collective efforts are essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic integrity and social order.
He expressed gratitude to CGC Adeniyi and his management team for their unwavering support in the fight against smuggling, acknowledging that the provision of critical resources and equipment has significantly empowered the Command.
This, he said, has helped the Command to achieve remarkable successes in ensuring that smugglers have no safe haven on waterways, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment for legitimate trade.
Ntadi also thanked sister agencies, particularly the NDLEA, NIS, Marine Police, and the Nigerian Navy, stating that their synergy and cooperation have been instrumental in the Command’s continued success.
He assured that the Command will not relent in its efforts to combat smuggling and illegal activities, reiterating its commitment to upholding the law, protecting citizens, and ensuring justice is served.
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