Customs intercepts cocaine consignment worth over N1bn

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Cocaine consignment worth over N1 billion has been intercepted along the Badagry–Seme corridor by operatives of Nigeria Customs Service.

According to Deputy Comptroller-General Customs in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Timi Bomodi. the cocaine consignment in 22 packages was intercepted in the early hours of Tuesday, 10 February 2026, at about 0300hrs along the corridor.

“Our dedicated officers intercepted a Toyota Highlander carrying 22 packages suspected to be cocaine. These substances were carefully hidden in a special bunker underneath the vehicle’s axle, so expertly concealed that, for the eagle eyes of our officers, it would have been virtually impossible to detect,’’ he stated.

Bomodi said one suspect linked to the cocaine consignment was arrested

He spoke while handing over the seized cocaine packages and the arrested suspect to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday, 13 February 2026, at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’.

Bomadi, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi handed over the seized cocaine packages to Assistant Commander General of NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, Abubakar Wali

“This operation, led by officers of the Seme Area Command under Wale Adenuga, demonstrates the Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and protecting society from the scourge of narcotics,” DCG Bomodi said.

The seizure aligns with Section 55(1)(C) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, empowering the Service to enforce prohibitions relating to public health and national security.

DCG Bomodi highlighted the strong link between illicit drugs and insecurity, noting that sustained collaboration among government agencies is critical to combating narcotics trafficking.

Receiving the items, Abubakar Wali commended the partnership.

“The handover underscores the effectiveness of the MOU between the NDLEA and NCS, as well as the value of inter-agency collaboration in curbing cross-border drug trafficking,” Wali said.

He assured that the suspect and exhibits will undergo thorough investigation and forensic analysis to ensure all involved are brought to justice.