N1 Billion Cocaine Seized at Seme: Customs Hands Suspect, SUV to NDLEA
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 22 packages of suspected cocaine, weighing approximately 25 kilograms and valued at about N1 billion, alongside a male suspect and the Toyota Highlander used to transport the drugs, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos.
The handover took place at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, reflecting the collaborative efforts of Nigerian Law Enforcement Agencies in combating narcotics trafficking, as reported by Global Mirror News.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adeniyi, said officers intercepted the Toyota Highlander along the Badagry-Seme corridor in the early hours of 10 February 2026, around 3:00 AM. The consignment, reportedly transported from Ghana, contained 22 packages suspected to be cocaine.
Adeniyi, represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Timi Bomodi, identified the arrested suspect as Adeniran Aliyu.
He emphasized that the seizure falls under Section 55(1)(c) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, empowering the Agency to enforce restrictions on imports and exports to protect human, animal, and plant life—a mandate that extends to combating dangerous narcotics.
“Protecting society is at the core of our operations,” Adeniyi said. “Through intelligence-driven actions and partnerships with agencies like NDLEA, we remain vigilant, adaptive, and committed to a safer, healthier Nigeria.”
The cocaine, suspect, and vehicle were officially handed over to the NDLEA under the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2024, strengthening the existing Memorandum of Understanding between both agencies.
Receiving the items, NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command Commander Abubakar Liman Wali commended Customs for the seizure and noted that the handover demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration.
Wali assured that the suspect would undergo thorough investigation, field testing, and forensic analysis to ensure all individuals involved in the trafficking network are brought to justice.
“The NDLEA remains unwavering in our mission to dismantle cross-border drug trafficking and safeguard Nigeria from illicit drugs,” Wali said.
The joint operation highlights Nigeria’s proactive measures against organized narcotics trafficking, reflecting an intensified commitment by Customs and NDLEA to curb the illegal drug trade along strategic border points.
