Apapa Port Command Opens 2026 with Major Drug Interdiction, Seizes 30.1kg Cocaine

Apapa Port Command Opens 2026 with Major Drug Interdiction, Seizes 30.1kg Cocaine

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced operations for the year 2026 on a strong footing, recording a major breakthrough in the fight against maritime drug trafficking with the seizure of 30.1 kilograms of cocaine at Apapa Port, Lagos.

The interception, which took place on Friday, January 2, 2026—the first working day of the year—was achieved through a joint operation between officers of the Apapa Port Command and operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The illicit consignment was uncovered at the Greenview Terminal during the examination of a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, MV Aruna.

Addressing journalists on the development, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, described the seizure as a product of intelligence-driven operations and effective inter-agency collaboration. He disclosed that the cocaine, packaged in 30 solid slabs, was cleverly concealed aboard the vessel but was detected following meticulous profiling and actionable intelligence shared among security agencies.

“This interception clearly demonstrates that Apapa Port remains a no-go area for smugglers and criminal networks,” Comptroller Oshoba stated. “There will be no hiding place for illicit consignments, whether they are imported, exported, or in transit through our ports.”

He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to protect Nigeria’s maritime borders while ensuring that legitimate trade continues unhindered. According to him, the Apapa Port Command will not allow the nation’s premier seaport to be compromised by activities capable of undermining public health, national security, and economic stability.

Following the successful interception, the seized 30.1 kilograms of cocaine were formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation, forensic analysis, and prosecution in line with existing laws.

Comptroller Oshoba noted that the latest seizure is part of a sustained enforcement drive by the Apapa Port Command in collaboration with sister agencies. He revealed that the Command, in recent weeks, had also been involved in other significant interceptions, including the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine from another vessel and the discovery of 1,187 kilograms of a synthetic cannabis strain, popularly known as “Canadian Loud,” concealed in imported vehicles within a 40-foot container.

“These successes underscore our commitment to intelligence-led enforcement, risk management, and the deployment of modern inspection techniques,” he added.

The CAC emphasized that the Command will continue to strengthen collaboration with the NDLEA and other stakeholders to ensure Apapa Port remains secure, efficient, and compliant with international best practices.

As 2026 unfolds, the Apapa Port Command says it is determined to sustain the momentum, deepen intelligence sharing, and deploy all lawful measures to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime gateways from drug traffickers and other transnational criminal elements.