The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 25 kilograms of cocaine valued at N1,000,000,000 along the Badagry-Seme axis, reinforcing its intensified crackdown on narcotics trafficking across the nation’s borders.
Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) responsible for Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Timi Bomodi disclosed that the seizure was made in the early hours of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at about 3:00 a.m., by vigilant operatives of the Seme Area Command.
According to him, the illicit consignment, concealed in a Toyota Highlander vehicle, comprised 22 packages of substances suspected to be cocaine with a total weight of 25 kilograms. With an estimated street value of N40,000,000,000 per kilogram, the seizure amounts to a staggering N1,000,000,000.One suspect was arrested in connection with the interception.
Bomodi attributed the success to credible intelligence that was promptly acted upon by officers of the Seme Area Command under the leadership of Comptroller Wale Adenuga. He commended the operatives for their professionalism, alertness, and unwavering commitment to duty.
He emphasised that the seizure underscores the Service’s statutory mandate under Section 55(1)(c) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers Customs to enforce prohibitions aimed at protecting human life and national security.
In line with inter-agency collaboration, the cocaine, the Toyota Highlander vehicle used for conveyance, and the arrested suspect have been formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos Strategic Command, to enable further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
Bomodi noted that the operation reflects the spirit of the recently celebrated International Customs Day 2026, observed under the World Customs Organization theme, “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment.”
He reiterated that beyond revenue generation and trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in protecting the society from the dangers of narcotics, illicit trade, and other transnational crimes.
The NDLEA Lagos State Commander , ACGN Abubakar Liman Wali noted that the seizure represents a significant financial blow to drug trafficking networks.
Wali said the successful interception and transfer of the drugs to the NDLEA underscores the effectiveness of the memorandum of understanding between the two agencies and highlights the growing strength of inter-agency collaboration in tackling cross-border narcotics trafficking.
According to him, the suspect and exhibits handed over will be subjected to comprehensive investigation, field testing and forensic analysis to unravel the network behind the trafficking attempt and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the NDLEA to continue working closely with sister security agencies to safeguard the country from criminal activities, particularly the trafficking of illicit drugs.
The Controller of the Command, Wale Adenuga, issued a stern warning to smugglers, declaring the Seme border corridor a restricted zone for illegal activities.
Adenuga said intensified surveillance and enforcement operations have made the Seme axis increasingly hostile to smuggling, stressing that the command will sustain pressure on criminal networks operating along the border.
He attributed the recent successes to the strong backing of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, noting that the CGC has been personally monitoring the seizure till it was successful.
According to him, the command remains committed to stepping up enforcement efforts and delivering even stronger results.
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