Customs Seizes N1bn Cocaine Haul at Seme Border, Hands Over to NDLEA in Boost to Anti-Drug Fight

 In a significant blow to transnational drug trafficking networks, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 25 kilograms of suspected cocaine valued at over N1 billion at the Seme border in Lagos State.

The seizure occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, around 3:00 a.m., along the Badagry-Seme axis. NCS officers, acting on intelligence, intercepted a Toyota Highlander SUV conveying 22 compressed packages of the illicit substance.

One male suspect, identified as Adeniran Aliyu, was arrested at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest the consignment originated from Ghana and was intended for distribution within Nigeria.

Speaking during the formal handover ceremony on Friday, Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (represented by Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Timi Bomodi) emphasized the operation's success and the importance of inter-agency cooperation.

“The interception demonstrates the vigilance and dedication of our officers at the Seme Border Command,” Adeniyi stated. “This seizure underscores our resolve to dismantle smuggling syndicates operating along our porous borders.”

In line with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2024, and to further strengthen the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two agencies, the NCS formally handed over the suspected cocaine, the Toyota Highlander vehicle (as the means of conveyance), and the arrested suspect to ACG N Abubakar Liman Wali, Commander of the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command.

The handover reinforces the growing alliance between Customs and NDLEA in combating narcotics trafficking. Officials from both agencies described the collaboration as a model for future joint operations, aimed at disrupting drug supply chains and protecting public health.

The suspect remains in NDLEA custody for further investigation, including tracing the origin, intended recipients, and broader network involved.

This incident comes amid heightened efforts by Nigerian security agencies to curb drug smuggling, particularly along coastal and land borders where transnational cartels exploit vulnerabilities.

The NCS and NDLEA reiterated their commitment to intensified intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and stricter border controls to prevent such illicit activities from endangering communities.