The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 22 packages of suspected cocaine valued at N1 billion alongside the Badagry–Seme border hall.
The disclosure was contained in an announcement posted on the Service’s official X account on Saturday.
The interception adopted a midnight operation through which officers uncovered the illicit substance hid in a modified automobile allegedly making an attempt to cross the border, highlighting renewed enforcement alongside key smuggling routes.
What they’re saying
The Service stated the seizure was made within the early hours of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at about 3:00 a.m., by officers of the Seme Space Command.
In response to Customs, the suspected cocaine was found in a Toyota Highlander, the place 22 packages had been hidden in a specifically constructed bunker beneath the automobile’s axle, with one suspect arrested in reference to the seizure.
- “Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Space Command have intercepted 22 packages of suspected cocaine value N1 billion, hid in a automobile alongside the Badagry–Seme hall, reinforcing ongoing inter-agency efforts towards cross-border drug trafficking,” the assertion learn partially.
Customs described the concealment as subtle however stated vigilant officers had been capable of detect the hidden compartments through the intelligence-led operation.
Authorized foundation and handover to NDLEA
The Comptroller-Basic of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented on the handover ceremony by the Deputy Comptroller-Basic in command of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Timi Bomodi, stated the operation demonstrates the Service’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
He famous that the company stays agency in imposing prohibitions aimed toward defending public well being and nationwide safety.
- Customs referenced Part 55(1)(C) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, stating that the supply empowers the Service to implement prohibitions associated to public well being and nationwide safety.
- The company added that drug trafficking has robust hyperlinks to insecurity and organised crime, making inter-agency collaboration important.
- The seized substance and the suspect had been formally handed over to the Nationwide Drug Legislation Enforcement Company (NDLEA) for additional investigation and forensic evaluation.
NDLEA officers recommended the collaboration between each companies, describing it as crucial in combating cross-border drug trafficking.
The handover highlights the coordinated method between Customs and anti-narcotics authorities in tackling illicit drug flows throughout Nigeria’s borders.
Extra insights
The most recent interception provides to a string of main drug seizures recorded by the Service in latest months, significantly throughout Lagos ports and border corridors. These operations replicate a shift towards intelligence-led enforcement aimed toward disrupting smuggling networks.
- In December 2025, the Apapa Command of the NCS seized 25.5 kilograms of cocaine aboard the Brazilian vessel MV San Anthonio throughout an inspection at Lagos port, discovering 24 parcels hid in 5 baggage after the vessel made stops in Brazil, Honduras, and Guatemala.
- In October 2025, the Apapa Port Command intercepted illicit medication value about N1.1 billion throughout routine examinations at APM Terminals and the Port and Terminal Multiservices Ltd. (PTML) Command, together with codeine-based cough syrup and barkadin.
- In November 2025, the PTML Command introduced the interception of a cocaine cargo valued at N29.4 billion, marking one of the vital important drug seizures within the company’s historical past.
- Earlier in February 2026, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the NCS seized artificial hashish and different contraband value N3.3 billion following a six-week intelligence-driven operation throughout Lagos.
What it’s best to know
Past enforcement, the Nigeria Customs Service has launched coverage measures aimed toward bettering commerce facilitation and strengthening regulatory compliance.
In January 2026, the Service commenced implementation of a brand new Normal Working Process regulating courier corporations working beneath the Delivered Obligation Paid Incoterm.
Underneath the brand new SOP, courier corporations searching for to function beneath the DDP regime are required to acquire a licence from the NCS Headquarters Licence and Allow Unit inside the Tariff and Commerce Division.
These measures replicate the Service’s twin mandate of strengthening border safety whereas facilitating legit commerce and enhancing compliance throughout Nigeria’s import and export ecosystem.
