Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have intercepted 30 slabs of cocaine at the Apapa Port in Lagos. The seizure was made aboard a foreign vessel, MV Aruna, which is registered in the Marshall Islands.
The interception took place on Friday at the Greenview Terminal, one of the terminals within the Apapa Port complex. Apapa Port is Nigeria’s busiest seaport and handles a large percentage of the country’s imports and exports. Because of the high volume of cargo that passes through the port daily, it has often been targeted by smugglers attempting to bring in illegal goods.
According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Port Command, Mr Isah Sulaiman, the cocaine was carefully hidden on the vessel. He explained that the way the drugs were concealed shows the level of planning and sophistication used by criminal networks involved in drug trafficking.
Security sources said the drugs were discovered during a routine but intensive inspection of the vessel by Customs officers, who were acting on intelligence. The officers immediately alerted the NDLEA, which joined in the operation to confirm the nature of the substance and secure it.
The Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Mr Emmanuel Oshoba, praised the officers involved in the operation. He said their action showed a high level of professionalism and commitment, especially during the New Year period when criminal activities often increase.
“This interception sends a strong message that the Apapa Command remains alert and fully committed to stopping illegal trade in line with laid-down rules and procedures,” Oshoba said.
He added that Customs officers at the port would continue to work closely with other security agencies to protect the country from dangerous and illegal imports.
After the seizure, the NDLEA took custody of the 30 slabs of cocaine. The agency is expected to carry out further investigation to trace those behind the shipment and ensure they are prosecuted according to the law.
NDLEA officials said investigations would focus on identifying the source of the drugs, how they were loaded onto the vessel, and the intended destination within or outside Nigeria.
This seizure is the third major drug interception carried out by the joint NCS–NDLEA team at Apapa Port in recent weeks. The repeated successes highlight the growing cooperation between security agencies at the nation’s ports.
In recent years, Nigeria has increased efforts to stop drug trafficking through its airports, seaports, and land borders. Agencies such as Customs and NDLEA have invested more in intelligence gathering, training, and the use of modern scanning and detection equipment.
Apapa Port, due to its strategic importance, has been a major focus of these efforts. The port handles thousands of containers and vessels every month, making it attractive to smugglers who hope illegal items will go unnoticed among legitimate cargo.
Drug trafficking poses serious risks to national security, public health, and the economy. Authorities say drugs like cocaine not only harm users but also fuel crime, violence, and corruption. As a result, the government has placed strong emphasis on stopping drugs before they enter local communities.
“Smugglers change their methods all the time, but improved intelligence sharing between agencies is making it harder for them to succeed,” the analyst said.
The Customs Service has repeatedly stated that it will not allow criminal elements to use Nigerian ports as transit points for illegal goods. The Service has also warned shipping companies and port operators to ensure strict compliance with regulations.
Similarly, the NDLEA has intensified surveillance at ports and other entry points. The agency has arrested several suspects and seized large quantities of drugs in recent months, as part of its nationwide crackdown.
Residents and business operators around Apapa have welcomed the latest interception. Many believe that stronger security at the port will improve Nigeria’s image internationally and make trade safer.
However, some stakeholders have also called for continuous investment in port infrastructure and technology to further reduce smuggling. They argue that modern scanners, better lighting, and improved monitoring systems will help officers do their jobs more effectively.
As investigations into the seized cocaine continue, authorities say they will provide updates when suspects are identified and charged to court.
For now, the interception of the 30 slabs of cocaine stands as another reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the importance of cooperation among Nigeria’s security agencies