The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 22 packages of suspected cocaine weighing about 25 kilograms with a street value of N1 billion, alongside a male suspect and a Toyota Highlander vehicle used for conveyance to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos.
Speaking during the handover at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, said officers of the Service, in the early hours of 10 February 2026, at about 0300 hours, intercepted a Toyota Highlander along the Badagry-Seme axis conveying 22 packages of substances suspected to be cocaine.
Adeniyi, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Enforcement, Timi Bomodi, said a male suspect, identified as Adeniran Aliyu, was arrested in connection with the illicit consignment, which was transported from Ghana.
He said the seizure aligns with the provisions of Section 55(1)(c) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the Service to enforce prohibitions and restrictions on imports and exports.
Adeniyi said this is aimed at protecting the health and lives of humans, animals, and plants—clearly encompassing the fight against dangerous narcotics that threaten public health and national security.
Adeniyi handed over the cocaine, suspect and the vehicle to the NDLEA, noting that it is in line with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2024, and to strengthen the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both agencies.
‘Our commitment is not merely to revenue collection or trade facilitation; it is a solemn pledge to protect society. By acting decisively on intelligence, by collaborating with sister agencies like the NDLEA, and by upholding the rule of law, the Nigeria Customs Service remain steadfast in our vigilance, adaptive in the face of evolving threats, and unyielding in our dedication to a safer, healthier Nigeria’, he said.
Receiving the exhibits and the suspect, the Commander of NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, Abubakar Liman Wali, praised Customs for the seizure and arrest of the suspect, noting that the handover reflects the effectiveness of the Memorandum of Understanding between both services and the renewed push to dismantle cross-border drug trafficking networks.
Wali assured that the suspect and the exhibits would undergo thorough investigation, field testing and forensic analysis to ensure everyone connected to the consignment is brought to justice.
He added that the NDLEA remains committed to working with partner agencies to safeguard the country from illicit drugs and related crimes.
