By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated its firm resolve to block illegal and substandard imports from entering the country, following the interception of 16 containers loaded with prohibited goods valued at over ₦10 billion.
Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi made the disclosure during a press briefing at the Apapa Area Command in Lagos on Monday, August 11, 2025, attended by representatives of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Adeniyi said the seizures were the result of sustained, intelligence-led operations aimed at safeguarding the country from harmful imports and ensuring compliance with trade regulations.
“Today, we have seizures of 16 containers laden with prohibited drugs, expired medication, expired food, and other items that violate our import prohibition guidelines, including arms and ammunition,” the Customs Chief explained. “These smuggled items would have endangered the health and well-being of unsuspecting Nigerians and contributed to insecurity in the country.”
Among the most significant discoveries, he revealed, was a container that had initially passed inspection but was subjected to a second search following credible intelligence. The re-examination uncovered 202 cans of Colorado Loud, a potent Canadian hard drug, weighing 101 kilograms. Further scanning exposed concealed arms and ammunition, including two pump-action rifles, 25 cartridges, one pistol with 55 rounds, and related accessories. The consignment was traced to a Lagos resident identified as Babatunde Ogidiolu.
Other seizures included seven containers of expired drugs and prohibited medicaments, three containers of expired food items notably margarine and three containers of absolutely prohibited used clothing.
Adeniyi stressed that the NCS would continue working hand-in-hand with other enforcement agencies to ensure that dangerous, counterfeit, and substandard products never reach Nigerian markets. “Our vow to protect the national economy and the well-being of citizens and residents of Nigeria remains unshaken. With the support of our strategic partners, we will continue to deliver uncompromising enforcement backed by intelligence to detect and seize prohibited items,” he vowed.
Commending the Customs Service’s efforts, Director of the South-West Zone for NCCSALW, CP Alamutu Abiodun (Rtd), said the seizure of arms and ammunition was a significant blow to the proliferation of illicit weapons in the country. “I wish Nigeria Customs more success because their breakthroughs assist us. They have helped solve half of the problem we collectively face,” he remarked.
The seized items were formally handed over to the relevant sister agencies for further investigation and necessary action. The Customs leadership said the operation sends a clear message that illegal traders will continue to face swift and decisive enforcement under its zero-tolerance policy.
