It is my privilege to address you today on a significant operational
breakthrough recorded by the Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria
Customs Service in collaboration with our strategic partner, the
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Tincan Island Port Strategic
Command.
Following credible intelligence and sustained inter-agency
cooperation, officers of the Command, working jointly with personnel of
the NDLEA, conducted a 100% physical examination on a Container with
Container No. HAMU429966/1, which has been red-flagged from intelligence
gathered. The container which originated from Canada was initially
declared to contain only used vehicles. However, upon thorough
examination it was discovered to contain One hundred and eighty-five
(185) jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica concealed with one used 2010 Toyota
Camry and one used 2023 Chevrolet Colorado
Further examination revealed that the seized Cannabis Indica comprised
9,458 packages, with a total weight of 4,729 kilograms, and an estimated
street value of ₦18,916,000,000.00 (Eighteen Billion, Nine Hundred and
Sixteen Million Naira).
This significant seizure demonstrates the vigilance, professionalism,
and dedication of our officers, and affirms the strength of our
collaboration with sister agencies.
Today, we formally hand over these illicit drugs to the National Drug
Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution in line
with their statutory mandate.
This achievement is particularly significant as it comes shortly after
the historic agreement between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
and the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen inter-agency synergy
against drug trafficking and organized crime. This framework, which is
already yielding tangible results, was signed on April 27, 2026, at the
NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer,
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), and the Comptroller-General of
Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi
As part of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the agreement,
both agencies are to follow on strengthening inter-agency collaboration
through regular engagements, structured intelligence sharing, and
develop coordinated operational guidelines to ensure seamless
collaboration.
Additionally, the agreement establishes that the headquarter of the
standing inter Agency committee is to be domiciled at the National Drug
Law Enforcement Agency Headquarters, Abuja
Let me use this opportunity to express our profound appreciation to
the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR psc(+)
PhD, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support in
strengthening operational capacity and inter-agency collaboration.
We also extend our gratitude to the leadership and personnel of the
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for their professionalism,
cooperation, and dedication to safeguarding our nation from the menace
of illicit drugs. To our critical stakeholders, including port
operators, security agencies, and members of the media, we thank you for
your continuous support and partnership. Your role in information
dissemination and public awareness is invaluable.
The Tincan Island Port Command remains resolute in its commitment to
intensifying synergy with all relevant agencies to secure our borders
and ports. We will continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies and
robust enforcement measures to combat smuggling and illicit trade.
Let me also sound a clear warning to all smugglers and criminal
elements: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with its
partners, is fully prepared and determined to detect, intercept, and
prosecute all forms of illegal activities.
13 There will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs.
In conclusion, we reaffirm our dedication to protecting Nigeria’s
economy, safeguarding public health, and ensuring national security.
