Customs

Customs in arms haul seizures at Lagos port as CGC Adeniyi sacks strike force team

The Eyewitness reporter

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted an arms cache at the Lagos ports even as the Customs Comptroller-General, Wale Adeniyi, has disbanded the notorious CG strike force teams.

In the arms haul displayed at the Federal Operations Unit of the Service, Lagos, the Customs intercepted a combined arms cache of thirty-one (31) rifles and ammunition concealed in plastic drums and sacks of charcoal within the first two weeks of July 2023.

Briefing newsmen Monday, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi disclosed that the arms haul, intercepted at both the Tin Can Island Port and PTML, was curiously traced to the same importer who imported them from the United States of America (USA).

The CGC stated that the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) in a joint operation with the Nigeria Police, Department of State Security,( DSS), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), carrying out a 100% examination of a 1x40ft container on the 5th of July, 2023 at the Ports & Terminal Multiservices Limited, uncovered ten (10) dangerous arms and ammunition concealed inside a plastic drum.

A breakdown of the concealed items includes Three (3) new Pump Action Rifles and one new unit of an armed Rifle, Six (6) new different types of pistols including one new millennium G2 pistol; one (1) new Sarsilmaz SAR-9X pistol; one (1) new Lugger Security-9 pistol; one (1) new Taurus Banbridge G3C pistol; one new SCCY CPX-2 pistol, and one (1) new Taurus (63 pistol).

Others include fourteen (14) empty magazines and 442 rounds of live ammunition.

The Customs Boss noted that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizure.

He said, “The clearing agent, Mr. Shokunbi Olanrewaju of Shooler Global International Limited, and Mr. Joseph Nwadiodor, who was expected to take delivery of the Container, are currently detained as suspects in connection with the seizure.

In the same vein, the Tincan Island Port Command of the Service, within the same period, while acting on credible intelligence; subjected a 1x40ft container to 100% physical examination with the relevant security Agencies at the ports.

According to the Ag. CGC, the physical examination uncovered 18 arms, packets of cartridges and rounds of live ammunition inside plastic drums.

Details of the seizure include:

6 different makes of pistols namely: two (2) Sar9 Sarsilmarz Pistols; one (1) Ruger American Pistol and three (3) Taurus G3c – Bainbridge Pistols).

Twelve (12) different makes of riffles namely; five (5) Rz17hd Rifles; one (1) Gamo Rifle, five (5) Pump Action Rifles and one (1) Rz17 Tactical Rifle), ten (10) packets of cartridges,two (2) packets of 9mm ammunition.

One hundred (100) rounds of 9mm Winchester ammunition. One (1) carton of Frontier cartridges and

Two (2) packets of Buckshot ammunition.

“Again, during a routine Patrol along Owode/Ajilete Axis of Ogun State by Officers of the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, on Wednesday 12 July 2023, intercepted an unregistered Toyota Camry loaded with six sacks of charcoal, which was used to conceal three (3) pump action riffles with 174 live cartridges”. The Customs Boss revealed.

“The driver of the vehicle, who knew the content he was conveying vis-a-vis the attendant consequences of his action before the law; jumped into the bush and escaped arrest”. he noted.

“Investigation into the seizures is inconclusive. The outcome of our investigations together with the seizures will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution”. Adeniyi added.

He reiterated the services’ resolve to tackle the economic and security menace caused by recalcitrant traders.

“Let me state at this point that the Service has re-strategized its operations, while our Officers have raised their levels of professionalism, we have re-injected new tactics to tackle the economic and security menace caused by recalcitrant importers and their agents.

“The Services’ human resources and logistics are collectively harnessed to combat and prevent economic sabotage”, he said.

He implored importers and agents to be patriotic by making sincere declarations, and be properly guided by the import/export prohibition lists, while also urging the public to see security as a collective responsibility.

“We will appreciate information of illegal importation and cross-border movement of dangerous weapons used to create mayhem in our nation”, he pleaded.

Meanwhile, the Customs boss has approved the disbandment of the notorious CG strike force teams across the country.

In a circular signed by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Enforcement, Investigation and Intelligence, Mohammed Abba-Kura, the CGC asked the officers of the unit to hand over to the Federal Operations Unit across the zones.

“I am directed to convey the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) approval for the immediate dissolution of the CGC’s Strike Force Teams.

“To this end, all officers under the teams are by this circular directed to return to their Area Commands or Units where they were drawn from.”
“SF Team Coordinators in respective zones (A, B, C & HQ) are to ensure the following:

“All Arms and Ammunitions are to be properly handed over to respective Area Commands/ Units/ Headquarters where they were signed from.”

“All operational vehicles are to be handed over to Controllers Federal Operation Units (FOU) and returns forwarded to Headquarters respectively. Coord HQ SF Team should retire operational vehicles under his team to Comptroller Transport & Logistics.”

“Records of detentions, seizures, cases in court and any other vital record/ information are to be handed to Controller FOUs across the Zones while Coord HQ SF Team should retire all records under his custody to the office of DCG E, 1&1.”

“While extending the CGC’s commendation and appreciation for the services rendered by the SF Teams, you are to ensure strict compliance with immediate effect, please.”

The CG strike force teams were the creation of the former Comptroller General of Customs, Col.(rtd)

Hammed Ali, which he used to terrorise and extort importers and their agents.

Their activities also constituted a hindrance to trade facilitation as they indiscriminately intercepted legally exited consignments on trumped-up charges and allegations.

The officers attached to the Gestapo- like squad, were also notorious for the indiscriminate raiding of markets and warehouses across the country where they always left in their trails sorrow, tears, and blood from victims of their indiscriminate shooting which led to many dead and maimed.

The disbandment of the Gestapo squad was a demonstration of the new CGC style of leadership which has cleared showed that he is a listening leader who defers to the yearnings of stakeholders, especially the importers and their agents, who had severally clamoured for the scrapping of this notorious gang.

Customs

Apapa Customs records major breakthrough in anti- smuggling operations.

– intercepts 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals, other contraband goods worth N6.38billion

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a huge success in its relentless war against traders of illicit products when its officers intercepted 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals and other contraband goods.

Unveiling the contraband goods at the APM Terminals,Apapa port on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the intercepted consignments are worth over N6.38 billion.

Adeniyi, while speaking with Journalists, revealed that the interception and seizures were made possible through intelligence-driven operations supported by cargo scanning technology and targeted physical examination.

He explained that officers detected irregular cargo profiles during routine scanning procedures, prompting detailed physical inspections that uncovered several prohibited and falsely declared consignments.

According to him, among the seizures was a 40-foot container loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, including Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, Chloroquine injections and Diclofenac tablets.

Customs officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers filled with unregistered pharmaceutical products, including Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate.

In another discovery, a 20-foot container carrying 800 cartons of codeine was found carefully concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware.

Other pharmaceutical seizures included cartons of Artesunate injections, while a separate container was discovered to contain restricted security equipment such as bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies and tactical torches imported without the required End User Certificates.

The Service also uncovered multiple containers loaded with expired food items, including muffin cookies, 36,000 cans of expired energy drinks, and large quantities of expired tomato paste brands.

In addition, officers seized a 40-foot container containing 1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup concealed among luxury food flasks.

Another container was found carrying 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine hidden with electric kettles, alongside additional cartons of Co-codamol tablets.

Customs further intercepted 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing 347.57 kilograms, which were concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Adeniyi described the seizures as a major breakthrough in the Service’s ongoing crackdown on illicit trade and smuggling through Nigeria’s seaports.

He warned that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses serious risks to public health, while the smuggling of codeine-based products contributes to the growing problem of substance abuse.

The Comptroller-General emphasized that under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized goods are liable to outright forfeiture, adding that investigations are ongoing and all persons connected to the shipments will face prosecution.

He also stressed that the Service is expanding the use of Non-Intrusive Inspection (cargo scanning) to improve cargo clearance efficiency while strengthening enforcement against high-risk consignments.

According to him, Apapa Port processes thousands of containers daily, making it one of the most strategic trade gateways in West Africa.

“Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation,” Adeniyi stated.

He assured compliant traders that Customs enforcement is not aimed at legitimate business but at protecting Nigeria’s economy and citizens from dangerous and illegal imports.

Customs

Dera Nnadi bows out of Customs in a blaze of glory

Geraldine Samuel, Reporter

Dera Nnadi, a Deputy Comptroller- General of Customs(rtd), has dropped anchor of service in the Nigeria Customs and graceful bowed out of the agency in a blaze of glory.

In a commemorative retirement ceremony conducted by his appreciative colleagues at the Customs’ Headquarters, Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Nnadi was pulled out of the Service he has diligently served amidst glowing tributes.

Incidentally, his pull- out ceremony coincided with his 60th birthday.

Leading the management staff, men and officers of the service in paying moving tributes to the retiring Nnadi was the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who described DCG(rtd) Nnadi as an exemplary officer whose professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty significantly strengthened the values and operational effectiveness of the NCS.

According to the CGC, the retirement ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate a successful career but also to appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of officers who devote their lives to safeguarding the nation’s economic and border security interests.

He noted that Nnadi’s career reflects the core ideals of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in leadership, revenue generation and trade facilitation.

“Today is a moment of celebration and reflection. It is also an opportunity for us to thank Almighty God for the grace that has sustained our colleague throughout his years of service,” the CGC said.

The CGC also highlighted the personal and professional bond he shares with the retiree, noting that their relationship extends beyond official duties to family ties.

He expressed confidence that DCG Nnadi still possesses the energy and experience to continue contributing meaningfully to national development through academic and other professional engagements.

Members of the Service’s management team also paid glowing tributes to the retired DCG, commending his leadership qualities, integrity and mentorship.

Officers who served under him described him as a dependable leader who provided guidance and encouragement to younger personnel while strengthening the Service’s institutional capacity.

Responding to the honour, DCG Dera Nnadi (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, the management team, officers and Men of the Service for their support and cooperation throughout his career.

He described his years in the NCS as a fulfilling journey of growth, learning and service to the nation.

The ceremony featured the presentation of awards, gift items and commemorative photographs in honour of the distinguished officer.

Customs

Customs takes charge of implementation of National Single Window project

– rallies stakeholders for successful take-off

Funso OLOJO, Editor

As the preparations for the official launch of National Single Window(NSW) project on March 27th, 2026 gather momentum, the Nigeria Customs service may have been designated as the lead agency to drive the modernisation project.

This much was confirmed by the Director of the Project, Tola Fakolade who acknowledged the pivotal leadership of the NCS in the implementation process.

At one of the stakeholders sensitisation programmes in Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Fakolade declared “Our number one stakeholder is the NCS,”

“We have maintained a strong and constructive working relationship.

Customs’ participation and institutional experience are critical to the success of this project.” the project coordinator confirmed.

Confirming the lead role of the NCS, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, described the NSW as a major milestone in the Service’s ongoing modernisation drive.

She revealed that the NCS has been actively engaged in preparatory work for months to ensure that the framework being developed reflects operational realities and supports seamless implementation.

“This is a national project, but Customs is at the centre of its execution,” DCG Adebakin said.

“The success of the Single Window depends on collective understanding and cooperation. We must all appreciate its value because we cannot effectively promote what we do not fully understand.”

She reassured officers and stakeholders that the initiative is designed to strengthen institutional capacity rather than replace human resources, explaining that technology will enhance efficiency, transparency, and speed in cargo clearance and trade documentation processes.

Reaffirming the critical role of the service in the implementation of the NSW project, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Abuja stakeholders engagement with airlines and shipping companies held on March 4th, 2026, emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring the successful rollout of the initiative.

He noted that the support of critical stakeholders has played a significant role in the achievements recorded in the Service’s modernisation journey so far.

Adeniyi disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the Service to take a bold step forward towards a successful launch of the National Single Window, a move aimed at positioning Nigeria as a major player in global trade.

He added that airline and shipping line operators remain vital partners in ensuring a seamless transition to the new system.

He further assured stakeholders that adequate support structures are being put in place to ease the migration process.

“A help desk with well-trained personnel will be available to address any operational challenges that may arise during the rollout”, the Comptroller-General stated.

The NCS described the National Single Window as a strategic reform that aligns with Customs’ mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and inter-agency coordination.

With the NCS spearheading coordination and stakeholder engagement, the NSW project is expected to transform Nigeria’s trade environment, enhance revenue generation, and strengthen the country’s position in the global trading community.