Gloria Odion, Maritme reporter 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has generated ₦302.95 billion in revenue for October 2026, representing an increase of ₦20.16 billion over the ₦282.79 billion collected in September.

The October revenue performance reflects a 7.13 per cent month on month increase and marks another significant milestone for the Command, following its record collection of over ₦323 billion in July 2026.

The development also highlights the Command’s sustained commitment to revenue generation,operational efficiency and trade facilitation under the leadership of its new Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, who assumed duty on September 29, 2026.

Since taking over the Command, Mu’azu has placed considerable emphasis on stakeholder collaboration, improved service delivery and operational reforms in line with the policy direction of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.

As part of this approach, the CAC convened a stakeholder engagement meeting on October 5th, 2026, bringing together importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to address operational challenges affecting port activities.

Discussions at the meeting centred on issues such as delays in the issuance of Demand Notices, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other concerns affecting the smooth movement of goods through the port.

Beyond the meeting, Mu’azu has embarked on courtesy visits to key stakeholders and strategic partners within the port community to strengthen institutional relationships, promote mutual understanding and encourage greater cooperation towards improving the business environment for traders and other port users.

In a further move to improve operational efficiency, the Apapa Area Command has intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire, with the objective of eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, strengthening interdepartmental coordination and reducing processing time without compromising regulatory compliance.

Mu’azu explained that the reform was designed to address avoidable administrative delays and ensure that officers involved in the process discharge their responsibilities more efficiently.

He said the Command was committed to identifying operational challenges and implementing practical solutions that would improve service delivery and make legitimate trade less cumbersome.

He emphasised that,traders should not be made to bear the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses or delays, stressing the need for officers to adopt a more responsive and efficient approach to their responsibilities.

The CAC further emphasised that improving trade facilitation remained a major priority, noting that addressing operational inefficiencies would contribute to seamless business transactions and a more business-friendly port environment.

To further accelerate cargo clearance, Comptroller Mu’azu has directed officers to ensure that cargo examinations are conducted strictly in accordance with established procedures, relevant documentation and the required authorisations.

He warned against unnecessary, repetitive and unwarranted examinations capable of frustrating legitimate business activities and prolonging cargo clearance processes.

The CAC charged officers to carry out their duties promptly and professionally, while maintaining the necessary standards of compliance, revenue protection and national security.

The directive, according to the Command, is aimed at improving cargo turnaround time, strengthening operational transparency and creating a more predictable trading environment in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The Command is also strengthening collaboration among relevant departments and port stakeholders to identify and resolve operational challenges affecting cargo movement.

Meanwhile, the Command has sustained its enforcement activities with the interception of 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing 392.5 kilogrammes in two separate containers during the period under review.

The seized consignments comprised 162 sachets weighing 125 kilogrammes in container number MSKU0486747 and 275 sachets weighing 267.5 kilogrammes in container number TEMU6149358.

The combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted narcotics stands at ₦196,131,606.82.

The seizures were recorded during joint examinations conducted with relevant sister agencies, underscoring the Command’s determination to prevent the use of Nigeria’s maritime gateway for the movement of prohibited substances and other illicit goods.

The operation also reinforces the Service’s commitment to protecting public health, strengthening border security and combating activities capable of undermining national security.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to its statutory responsibilities, the Apapa Area Command said it would continue to consolidate its revenue performance, strengthen enforcement operations and deepen stakeholder partnerships to improve port efficiency.

Under Mu’azu’s leadership, the Command is pursuing a balanced operational strategy that prioritises revenue generation, regulatory compliance and national security while promoting legitimate trade, improving cargo clearance and supporting economic growth.

–Seizes 23,220 matchets, barcotics, 21 vehicles, others

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, has intercepted smuggled and prohibited goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N6.19 billion in just four weeks, while recovering an additional N683.66 million in revenue through intensified anti-smuggling operations and compliance enforcement.

The Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, DC Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, during his maiden press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, where he revealed that the unit recorded 195 seizures arising from smuggling attempts across its area of responsibility.

Afeni said the seized goods had a cumulative Duty Paid Value of N6,194,695,947.05, reflecting the scale of smuggling activities confronting the unit and the intensity of its enforcement operations.

The seized items included 3,028 bags of 50kg imported rice, 6,949 cartons of smuggled spaghetti, 173 cartons of frozen poultry products, 101 bags of imported sugar and 21 foreign-used vehicles.

Other intercepted goods comprised 3,407.83kg of cannabis, 400g of cocaine, 100g of methamphetamine, 1,250 cartridges, 23,220 new matchets, 8,025 litres of petrol, used tyres, second-hand clothing and pharmaceutical products.

The Acting Comptroller said the seizures demonstrated the unit’s determination to protect government revenue, defend local industries against unfair competition and prevent dangerous and prohibited goods from entering the country.

He expressed particular concern over the interception of 23,220 new matchets allegedly smuggled into the country without the necessary certificates and permits.

According to him, the interception was especially significant given concerns that such items could be deployed to disrupt peaceful elections in the coming months.

On revenue recovery, Afeni disclosed that the unit generated an additional N683,661,304.05 between September 30 and November 3, 2026, through enhanced risk profiling, closer scrutiny of import declarations, correction of under-valuations and the issuance of demand notices.

He attributed the revenue recovery to improved intelligence gathering, stronger compliance monitoring and more rigorous examination of cargo transactions suspected of involving duty evasion.

The Comptroller said the unit had also intensified surveillance and intelligence-driven enforcement while strengthening collaboration with other government agencies to tackle smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.

He assured importers and licensed customs agents that the unit remained committed to facilitating legitimate trade, stressing that its enforcement measures were not intended to obstruct genuine business activities.

However, he warned that the unit would not tolerate duty evasion, false declarations, smuggling or any activities capable of undermining national security and the Nigerian economy.

Afeni further disclosed that seized narcotics and arrested suspects would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution, while other prohibited items would be transferred to the appropriate regulatory and enforcement agencies.

He reaffirmed the unit’s resolve to dismantle smuggling networks, strengthen border security and protect the national economy through professionalism, intelligence-led operations and sustained enforcement of customs laws.

Gloria Odion, Maritme reporter 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations across the South-West, recording major seizures of illicit drugs and pharmaceutical products valued at N511.4 million and rescuing eight endangered pangolins under the leadership of its Acting Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.

The latest achievements reflect a renewed enforcement strategy anchored on intelligence gathering, strategic patrols and strengthened collaboration with sister security agencies to disrupt smuggling networks and combat transnational organised crime across the region.

Since assuming leadership of the unit, Afeni has intensified efforts to tackle the illegal movement of prohibited goods through major highways, border corridors and waterways, with operations targeting illicit drugs, unapproved pharmaceutical products, endangered wildlife, foreign parboiled rice, frozen poultry products and other prohibited items.

The recent interceptions, particularly the recovery of drugs and pharmaceutical products worth N511.4 million and the rescue of eight live pangolins in two separate operations, underscore the unit’s determination to protect public health, safeguard national security, preserve wildlife and strengthen compliance with Nigeria’s trade regulations.

Beyond the financial value of the seizures, the operations highlight the wider economic, environmental and security consequences of smuggling and the need for sustained enforcement against criminal networks operating across the South-West.

One of the major breakthroughs recorded under Afeni’s leadership was the interception of assorted illicit drugs and pharmaceutical products with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N511.4 million.

The seized items were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and necessary regulatory and legal action.

The exhibits included 121 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 65.9 kilogrammes, 100 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, 400 grammes of cocaine, 900 grammes of ground synthetic cannabis, 4.3 kilogrammes of hybrid cannabis and 57 cartons of codeine syrup.

Other items handed over included 86 packs of polythene bags allegedly used to conceal the illicit substances, two vehicles a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna and two male suspects linked to separate interceptions.

According to the unit, one of the operations took place at approximately 1 p.m. on October 10, 2026, when an intelligence led patrol team intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus conveying suspected illicit drugs concealed in polythene bags along the Lagos-Benin Expressway, around Ore, Ondo State.

Following the interception, NDLEA officials conducted further examination and analysis, which confirmed the nature of the substances.

In a separate operation on October 7, 2026, Customs officers intercepted another vehicle along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 57 cartons of assorted brands of codeine syrup.

The interceptions demonstrate the unit’s commitment to preventing the transportation and distribution of prohibited substances through major commercial routes, where traffickers often conceal illegal consignments among legitimate goods.

Speaking on behalf of Afeni during the handover, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement,Oluwaseun Oguntuase, attributed the successes to sustained intelligence driven operations across the unit’s area of responsibility.

He explained that the seizures and subsequent transfer of the exhibits to the relevant agencies reflected the Service’s determination to secure the nation’s borders, protect public health and strengthen national security.

The collaboration with NDLEA and NAFDAC also reinforces the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling drug trafficking and the circulation of unapproved pharmaceutical products.

In addition to its operations against drug trafficking and other prohibited imports, FOU Zone ‘A’ has strengthened its efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking, recording two separate interceptions that resulted in the rescue of eight live pangolins within approximately 11 days.

The first operation occurred on October 12, 2026, when Customs officers intercepted three live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation around Oyo Dam, Igbo-Ora, Ogun State.

Acting on credible intelligence, the patrol team discovered the animals concealed inside a sack and a wire mesh cage.

The suspected traffickers reportedly abandoned the consignment and escaped into a nearby swamp upon sighting the officers.

Similarly, in the early hours of October 23, 2026, another patrol team intercepted five additional live pangolins along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis.

The animals were found confined in wire mesh cages and allegedly concealed to evade detection.

The suspects reportedly fled the scene, abandoning the animals as Customs officers moved in.

The two operations highlight the growing enforcement attention being given to illegal wildlife trade and the need to dismantle the networks responsible for trafficking protected species.

Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals, largely targeted by illegal traders for their scales and meat.

Their international commercial trade is prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which lists all pangolin species under Appendix I.

The rescued animals were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and appropriate management, with the possibility of eventual release into a protected natural habitat where feasible.

Speaking during the second handover, Oguntuase, who represented Afeni, stressed the need for comprehensive investigations to identify and dismantle the criminal networks behind the repeated attempts to traffic endangered wildlife.

He reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to intelligence led enforcement, collaboration with conservation organisations and the strict enforcement of relevant laws against illegal wildlife trade.

The repeated interceptions also underscore the importance of identifying the individuals and networks financing, transporting and facilitating the illegal trade, rather than limiting enforcement efforts to recovering abandoned consignments.

Recognising the importance of coordinated security operations in tackling organised crime, Afeni has also intensified engagement with sister security agencies across the South-West.

On October 14, 2026, the Acting Comptroller commenced a familiarization tour of security and law enforcement agencies in Lagos State as part of efforts to strengthen institutional relationships and improve cooperation in intelligence sharing, information exchange and joint enforcement operations.

The agencies visited included the Lagos State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS), Headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, the NDLEA Lagos State Strategic Command, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Army’s 9 Brigade in Ikeja.

During the engagements, Afeni emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among security institutions to effectively address smuggling, cross-border criminal activities and other threats to national security.

At the Lagos State Police Command, where he was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, Afeni noted that the Customs Service’s responsibilities extended beyond border protection and required sustained cooperation with other security agencies.

He expressed concern that the approaching election period could create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit heightened political activities and engage in illegal operations capable of threatening public peace.

“We know that crime rates often increase as the country approaches the election period, as some people may attempt to take advantage of the period to perpetrate illicit activities capable of causing crises during the elections. Therefore, we are here to call for closer synergy so that these bad elements do not have their way.”

Afeni maintained that no security agency could effectively confront complex criminal activities in isolation, stressing that regular intelligence sharing and coordinated operations remained essential to achieving lasting security outcomes.

In his response, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police welcomed the initiative and described the relationship between the police and other security agencies in the state as strong and productive, despite the security challenges associated with Lagos’s large population and complex operating environment.

At the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division Headquarters, the General Officer Commanding, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, also emphasised the importance of joint security operations.

He cautioned against unnecessary administrative bottlenecks that could affect operational efficiency and called for effective coordination among relevant institutions.

The engagements reflect the growing recognition that smuggling networks often operate across multiple jurisdictions, exploiting highways, waterways, border communities and distribution centres to move prohibited goods.

Strengthening institutional cooperation and intelligence exchange is therefore critical to identifying criminal movements, closing security gaps and ensuring timely responses to emerging threats.

The intensified operations by FOU Zone ‘A’ also carry significant economic and public health implications.

Smuggling undermines legitimate businesses by creating unfair competition for compliant importers and traders who fulfil their statutory obligations, including the payment of duties and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Similarly, the illegal movement of narcotics and unapproved pharmaceutical products exposes Nigerians to serious health risks,while wildlife trafficking threatens biodiversity and undermines international conservation efforts.

For the Nigeria Customs Service, effective enforcement therefore requires a balanced approach that prevents prohibited trade while facilitating legitimate commercial activities.

The N511.4 million worth of intercepted drugs and pharmaceutical products represents more than the financial value of the seized items.

It also reflects the potential harm prevented by keeping dangerous substances away from the public.

Likewise, the rescue of eight pangolins demonstrates the Service’s expanding role in environmental protection and the fight against organised wildlife trafficking.

However, the long-term success of these operations will depend on the ability of relevant agencies to conduct effective investigations, secure successful prosecutions and dismantle the networks responsible for the illegal activities.

The escape of suspects during both pangolin interceptions further highlights the need to strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance to ensure that those behind the illegal trade are identified and brought to justice.

The Acting Comptroller has assured that FOU Zone ‘A’ will sustain its enforcement operations, intelligence driven patrols and strategic partnerships with relevant security and regulatory agencies across its area of responsibility.

His approach centres on strengthening intelligence gathering, improving inter-agency coordination and maintaining operational pressure on routes frequently exploited by smugglers.

The recent seizures indicate that the unit’s enforcement activities cover multiple categories of prohibited goods, ranging from illicit drugs and unapproved pharmaceutical products to endangered wildlife and other restricted commodities.

Sustaining these achievements, however, will require continuous investment in operational capacity, reliable intelligence networks, effective investigations and stronger engagement with communities along vulnerable smuggling corridors.

Equally important is continued cooperation with regulatory institutions and conservation organisations to ensure that seized products undergo appropriate investigations and rescued wildlife receives adequate care.

As the Nigeria Customs Service continues to discharge its statutory responsibilities, the effectiveness of Afeni’s enforcement strategy will ultimately be measured not only by the volume and value of seizures but also by its ability to dismantle criminal networks, protect public health, preserve biodiversity, safeguard government revenue and create a more secure environment for legitimate trade.

For smugglers operating across the South-West, the message from FOU Zone ‘A’ remains clear: the Service is strengthening its intelligence capacity, intensifying patrols and deepening security partnerships to make the region increasingly hostile to illicit trade.