The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has transferred over ₦8.6 billion worth of tramadol intercepted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
While the seizure was made on April 5, 2025, the Customs Area Controller of FCT Command, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi unveiled the illicit substances during a press briefing at the Airport’s Cargo Terminal on April 7, 2025.
In his address, Comptroller Adebisi condemned the actions of individuals who continue to traffic illicit substances into the country under the guise of trade.
“It is deeply troubling that some unpatriotic elements are determined to flood our communities with dangerous drugs simply for profit, even if it costs lives.
“These types of drugs often end up in the hands of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, Boko Haram fighters, and other criminal elements threatening the peace of our nation,” he stated.
The Comptroller disclosed that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted tramadol stood at ₦8,654,800,000, emphasising that the Command, under his leadership, would continue to clamp down on smugglers operating within and beyond the FCT.
He commended the unwavering backing of the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, under whose administration the FCT Command has received critical institutional support and operational leverage to intensify its enforcement efforts.
“In line with the strong institutional synergy championed by the Comptroller-General, we have secured approval to transfer the seized items to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” the FCT Customs boss said.
The illicit cargo was officially handed over to the NDLEA Commandant of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, CN Muhammad Jidda, in the presence of representatives from other sister security agencies.
Receiving the items, Commandant Muhammad Jidda lauded the NCS for its vigilance and sustained collaboration with drug control agencies.
“What we’re witnessing today is a model example of inter-agency cooperation. We sincerely commend the Nigeria Customs Service for their alertness and their refusal to allow Nigeria to become a dumping ground for psychotropic substances. The tramadol you see here would have caused incalculable harm to communities had it found its way to the streets,” he remarked.
The Commandant assured that the NDLEA would proceed with a thorough investigation to trace the consignment’s origin and intended destination while reaffirming the agency’s readiness to prosecute culprits in accordance with the law.
