In a bid for Strategic crackdown on illicit trafficking, the Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Command, Dr. BO Olomu, has reaffirmed the agency’s zero tolerance for smuggling and its unwavering commitment to protecting national integrity and public health.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Command headquarters, Comptroller Olomu announced the seizure of six containers laden with prohibited items valued at over N3.24 billion. These included unregistered pharmaceuticals, used clothing, unauthorized cosmetics, and two luxury vehicles reportedly stolen from Canada—all smuggled in under false declarations.
“This Command is not sacrificing compliance on the altar of trade facilitation,” Olomu declared. “Our officers, guided by the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, remain resolute in their mandate to defend this country from illegal imports that endanger the lives of Nigerians.”
Two of the seized containers were loaded with over 3,300 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup concealed inside toilet seats and water closets. Valued at N2.71 billion, the operation was made possible through a joint intelligence network with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and international partners.
“These seizures are the result of both international collaboration and local intelligence,” Olomu noted, adding that such dangerous imports are often linked to organized drug syndicates.
Other intercepted containers were falsely declared as truck tyres, kitchenware, and food items but were found to contain:
- Unregistered pharmaceuticals like Rabeprazole, Vancomycin, and Ciprophetadine
- Banned cosmetics including anti-mark creams and steroid-based products
- Two stolen Lexus SUVs from Canada, misdeclared to evade detection
- 390 bales of used clothing, prohibited under Nigerian import law
Olomu pointed out that these seizures violate not only local laws but also international protocols such as the World Customs Organization’s Operation STOP IV, which targets the trafficking of counterfeit and unauthorized medical products globally.
In addition to enforcement actions, the Apapa Command has recorded a milestone revenue collection of N1.094 trillion as of May 21, 2025. The Command also achieved record-breaking daily collections, including N18.919 billion on May 20, reinforcing its commitment to national economic growth.
“Apapa Port will remain a no-go area for unlawful activity. Our officers are alert, and concealments will be uncovered with corresponding arrests and prosecutions,” Olomu warned.
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the illegal shipments and are currently undergoing interrogation, with prosecution to follow.
As the nation’s busiest port, the Apapa Command continues to play a frontline role in upholding border integrity, securing Nigeria’s health space, and raising the standard in customs operations.
