Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded one of its biggest enforcement breakthroughs yet, intercepting 13 containers loaded with expired pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, illicit food items and restricted security gear valued at ₦6,381,237,988 at the Apapa Port.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who announced the seizure during a press briefing at APM Terminals Apapa on Tuesday, said the operation was driven by enhanced intelligence, advanced scanning systems and targeted physical examination.
The shocking discoveries included expired Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, Chloroquine injections and Diclofenac tablets; massive consignments of Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate; and 800 cartons of codeine syrup ingeniously concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware.
Other seizures ranged from Artesunate injections and bulletproof vests to helmets, walkie-talkies, tactical torches and containers of expired food products. Customs also intercepted expired muffin biscuits, 36,000 cans of Primo energy drink, and containers of expired St. Kelvin and De Truth tomato paste.
One container held 1,700 cartons of codeine syrup stuffed into luxury food flasks, while another carried 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine hidden among electric kettles. Officers further uncovered 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa (347.57kg) cleverly concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle.
Adeniyi stressed that while technology is transforming enforcement, physical examination still dominates cargo checks, hence the need to expand the full deployment of scanners across ports.
“Our goal is to significantly increase the proportion of cargo scanned at all major entry points, including Apapa Port, Tincan Island Port, Port Harcourt Port, Onne Port and others, before the end of the year,” he said.
He explained that this shift would boost enforcement accuracy, cut port congestion and accelerate clearance for compliant traders. Improved trader compliance, he added, remains key to enabling Customs to rely more on risk-based, technology-driven inspections.
He encouraged port users to embrace the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which guarantees predictable, faster cargo processing for trusted traders.
In line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, Adeniyi said all seized consignments face outright forfeiture, with penalties and prosecution awaiting everyone connected to the smuggled shipments.
He assured legitimate businesses that Customs’ intensified enforcement targets criminal networks, not lawful trade.