By Bon Peters | The Bureau News
Lagos | June 25, 2025
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command has announced the interception and seizure of contraband goods valued at over N352 million, reinforcing efforts to combat illicit trade across Nigeria’s waterways.
This was made known during a press briefing on Tuesday by the Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller PN Ntadi, at the Command’s headquarters in Lagos.
Comptroller Ntadi, while conducting journalists around the command premises, also disclosed the demolition of structures considered a security threat within the vicinity. He noted that the surroundings had become a hotspot for criminal activities due to unauthorized business operations under nearby bridges.
“Our environment had been infiltrated by hoodlums who used it as a cover for illicit dealings. It became imperative to reclaim and restructure the area for enhanced security,” he said.
The Customs boss emphasized the need for renewed vigilance at the borders, stating that the seizures come at a time when Nigeria faces grave national security challenges.
“It is no longer acceptable to treat security lapses with levity, especially as the country confronts multiple threats. These seizures represent a collective step toward safeguarding our economic interests and national security,” he added.
Details of the Seizure
The seizures, carried out through coordinated operations along maritime routes, include the following:
- 2,017 bags of foreign parboiled rice — Duty Paid Value (DPV): N212,995,200
- 481 loaves of Cannabis Sativa — DPV: N50,505,000
- 72 rolls of foreign textile material — DPV: N71,280,000
- 7 bags of sugar (50kg) — DPV: N672,000
- 9 locally constructed boats (4 fibre, 5 wooden) — DPV: N17,500,000
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all items stands at N352,952,200.
Tactical Operations and Collaboration
Comptroller Ntadi attributed the operational success to enhanced intelligence gathering and collaboration with sister agencies such as the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Marine Police, and Immigration Service.
“Deployment of additional patrol vessels along the coastlines and inland waterways has also greatly aided our efforts,” he stated.
He urged the public to report any suspicious activity and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime borders.
Leadership Support
The Comptroller expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, MFR psc+, for providing critical support and logistics to the Western Marine Command.
“The CGC’s backing has enabled us to scale new heights in anti-smuggling operations. We shall not relent in upholding our duty to the nation,” he concluded.
He also thanked partner agencies for their unrelenting cooperation, which he said has been instrumental in creating a secure atmosphere for legitimate trade to thrive across Nigerian waterways.