Western Marine Customs Intercepts ₦353 Million Worth of Contraband in Renewed Anti-Smuggling Drive

 The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has intensified its crackdown on smuggling activities along Nigeria’s waterways, announcing the interception of contraband goods valued at ₦352.9 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV).

Speaking during a press conference at the Command’s headquarters in Ibafon-Apapa, Lagos, the Area Controller, Comptroller PN Ntadi, described the seizures as a “significant blow” to criminal networks undermining the nation’s economy and social stability.

“It is no longer acceptable to treat security lapses with levity, especially now that Nigeria is contending with multiple security challenges,” Ntadi said.

Breakdown of Seized Items

The seizures were made following weeks of targeted operations along critical maritime corridors. Items intercepted include:

• 2,017 bags of foreign parboiled rice — ₦212.99 million
• 481 loaves of Cannabis Sativa — ₦50.5 million
• 72 bundles of foreign textile materials — ₦71.28 million
• 7 sacks of 50kg sugar — ₦672,000
• 9 locally constructed boats (4 fibre boats and 5 wooden boats) — ₦17.5 million

The total value of all confiscated items stands at ₦352,952,200.

Ntadi noted that the smuggling of essential commodities such as rice and sugar continues to undermine local production, while the illegal importation of narcotics and textile products poses serious risks to public health and legitimate businesses.

Operational Strategy and Collaboration

The Customs boss credited the success of the operations to enhanced intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency collaboration, and the deployment of more patrol vessels along the coastline and inland waterways.

He acknowledged the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, MFR psc+, for providing the Western Marine Command with critical resources and operational backing.

Ntadi also praised the synergy with sister agencies such as the Nigerian Navy, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Marine Police, describing their cooperation as “instrumental in achieving this milestone.”

Public Support Needed

Comptroller Ntadi called on Nigerians, especially coastal communities, to support the Customs Service by reporting suspicious activities.

“Our collective efforts are essential in safeguarding our country’s economic integrity and social order,” he said.

Sustained Commitment

Reaffirming the Command’s resolve, Ntadi assured the public that the Western Marine Command remains committed to dismantling smuggling networks and upholding the law.

“We will not relent in our fight against smuggling and illegal activities. Our goal is to ensure justice is served while creating a secure environment for legitimate trade to thrive,” he concluded.

The press briefing ended with an open floor session, where Comptroller Ntadi fielded questions from journalists and reiterated the agency’s readiness to adapt its strategies in the face of evolving smuggling tactics.

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