Nigeria Customs Seize ₦1 Billion Cocaine in Seme Drug Bust

Nigeria Customs Seize ₦1 Billion Cocaine in Seme Drug Bust

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Services   have intercepted a ₦1 billion consignment of cocaine along the Badagry–Seme axis of Lagos State, resulting in the arrest of a suspected cartel member.

The seizure, described as one of the NCS’s most significant enforcement breakthroughs this year, was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at approximately 3:00 a.m. Seme Area Command officers intercepted a Toyota Highlander carrying 22 packages of suspected cocaine, weighing a total of 25 kilograms.

One suspect, 45-year-old Adedenira Aliyu, was arrested in connection with the consignment, which would have fetched an estimated ₦1 billion on the streets.

The operation was intelligence-driven and executed under the leadership of the Comptroller of Seme Area Command, . Speaking at a press briefing at the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Lagos, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, , emphasized that the operation demonstrates the professionalism and vigilance of NCS officers.

Bomodi noted that the seizure was conducted in line with Section 55(1)(c) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, empowering the Service to enforce prohibitions aimed at protecting public health and national security.

In accordance with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act and the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the agencies, the seized cocaine, the vehicle used for conveyance, and the suspect were handed over to the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command in Ikoyi for further investigation and forensic analysis.

The Commander of NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, , commended the NCS for the operation and reaffirmed both agencies’ commitment to dismantling cross-border drug trafficking networks.

Bomodi also assured that officer safety measures have been enhanced, including the provision of protective vests, operational vehicles, and arms. He added that the NCS continues to support border communities through investments in schools and healthcare, including the Seme NCS hospital, which serves over 80 communities, including residents from neighbouring Benin Republic.

The joint operation underscores the growing synergy between NCS and NDLEA, highlighting the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.