Customs intercepts N1bn worth of cocaine along Badagry-Seme road, hands over to NDLEA

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 22 compressed packages of narcotics suspected to be cocaine concealed within a Toyota Highlander vehicle along the Badagry – Seme expressway.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who showcased the seizures alongside officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) in Lagos on Friday said the substance weighing 25kg has a Duty Paid Value ( DPV) estimated at N1billion.

Adeniyi who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection DCG, Timi Bomodi, said the substance was intercepted on Tuesday at about 0300 hours by vigilant operatives of Seme Area command with one suspect arrested.

“This timely interception was not a matter of chance but the direct result of actionable intelligence received and swiftly acted upon by the Seme Area Command, under the able leadership of Comptroller Wale Adenuga.

“I commend the professionalism, alertness, and unwavering commitment displayed by our officers in this operation. Their actions have once again demonstrated the Nigeria Customs Service’s resolve to safeguard our borders and protect our society from the scourge of narcotic trafficking.

“This seizure aligns perfectly with the provisions of Section 55(1)(c) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the Service to enforce prohibitions and restrictions on imports and exports relating to the protection of the health and well being of humans, animals, or plants-clearly encompassing the fight against dangerous narcotics that threaten public health and national security, ” he said.

The seized drugs, vehicles and the suspect were subsequently handed over to the Commander of the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, Abubakar Liman Wali, in line with the inter-agency collaboration and xisting Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) between both agencies.

He noted that the seamless collaboration between Customs and NDLEA underscores the shared commitment of both agencies to combat drug trafficking through coordinated efforts, intelligence sharing, and joint operations.

“This achievement comes in the wake of our recent celebrations of International Customs Day 2026, observed under the World Customs Organization’s inspiring theme: “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment.

“This theme resonates profoundly with what we have just accomplished. Every day, our officers stand as the first line of defense, exercising vigilance to detect and intercept threats that endanger our communities-be it smuggling, illicit trade, or the trafficking of narcotics like cocaine that destroy lives, fuel crime, and undermine societal well-being, ” he said.

Adeniyi stressed that the Service’s mandate extend beyond revenue collection or trade facilitation but a solemn pledge to protect society.

“By acting decisively on intelligence, by collaborating with sister agencies like the NDLEA, and by upholding the rule of law, the Nigeria Customs Service embodies this theme in action.

“We remain steadfast in our vigilance, adaptive in the face of evolving threats, and unyielding in our dedication to a safer, healthier Nigeria. To our gallant officers at Seme and across all commands: your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. Continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

“To our partners in the NDLEA: thank you for your partnership; together, we are stronger. To the Nigerian public: rest assured that your Nigeria Customs Service is fully committed to protecting you and our nation, ” he said.

On his part, Controller, Seme border command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga disclosed that the intelligence that led to the interception was facilitated by the Comptroller General of Customs.

He disclosed that the illicit substance,
skillfully concealed within the bunker of the vehicle was discovered upon a thorough search of the vehicle by operatives.