The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 25.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio, in a major anti-drug operation at Lagos’ busiest port. The seizure, which occurred shortly after the vessel berthed, is being described by Customs officials as a significant success in the fight against drug trafficking and other illicit activities targeting Nigeria’s maritime trade corridors.
According to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Suleiman Isah, the cocaine was discovered during an intelligence-driven inspection of the vessel. The narcotics were compressed into 24 parcels and hidden inside five separate bags, demonstrating the sophisticated methods employed by traffickers to evade law enforcement.
The drugs were found shortly after MV San Anthonio arrived at Apapa Port, prompting the immediate detention of the vessel. Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Customs Area Controller for Apapa, described the seizure as the result of strengthened collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“Intelligence reports indicated that the vessel departed Brazil and made stops in Honduras, Guatemala, and other high-risk locations known for drug trafficking,” Oshoba said. “This seizure and the detention of the vessel serve as a strong warning to criminal networks attempting to exploit our port system.”
Officials emphasized that the operation was guided by thorough profiling and risk assessment, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security at Apapa Port, Nigeria’s main maritime gateway for imports and exports.
The seizure highlights the effectiveness of coordinated operations between the NCS and NDLEA. During the official handover of the confiscated cocaine, NDLEA was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command, who formally took custody of the seized drugs.
“This operation demonstrates the positive outcomes achievable when law enforcement agencies work closely, share intelligence, and coordinate their strategies against organized crime,” Oshoba said. “Our coordination with sister agencies has never been stronger, and no syndicate will outsmart us.”
The collaboration is part of a broader government strategy to clamp down on illicit trade and strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s ports, especially as traffickers increasingly attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the maritime system.
Apapa Port handles a substantial portion of Nigeria’s imports and exports, making it a critical node in the nation’s economy. However, its importance has also made it a target for criminal elements seeking to traffic illegal goods, including narcotics, weapons, and counterfeit products.
Customs officials stressed that under the current leadership, only legitimate trade will be allowed to thrive. “We are committed to maintaining zero tolerance for illicit activities at Apapa Port,” Oshoba said. “With the festive season approaching, we will intensify scrutiny of all inbound and outbound cargoes to safeguard national security and protect the economy from prohibited items.”
Nigeria is part of a transatlantic drug route connecting Latin America to Europe and West Africa. Cocaine, primarily sourced from South American countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela, is often trafficked through maritime channels and small airports before reaching European or local markets. The interception of 25.5kg of cocaine on MV San Anthonio highlights the vulnerability of shipping routes but also showcases the effectiveness of intelligence-led monitoring by Nigerian authorities.
Authorities warn that drug trafficking not only undermines economic growth but also fuels organized crime, corruption, and violence in port cities and surrounding communities. According to NDLEA, coordinated operations between maritime and drug enforcement agencies are vital to dismantling criminal networks and protecting both citizens and legitimate trade.
The Apapa Command of the NCS has reaffirmed its commitment to continuous vigilance and enforcement. Customs leadership says all vessels entering and leaving Lagos ports will face rigorous inspections, and intelligence-led profiling will continue to play a central role in safeguarding the supply chain.
Comptroller Oshoba also confirmed that MV San Anthonio remains under detention pending further investigation. This step is aimed at determining the full extent of the trafficking attempt, identifying all parties involved, and preventing similar cases in the future.
Officials have encouraged the public and shipping operators to remain compliant with customs regulations and report any suspicious activities. The agencies also highlighted that public-private cooperation is critical in strengthening Nigeria’s ports and curbing illegal trafficking.
