By Correspondent in Lagos.
The Western Marine Command (WMC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dealt a major blow to smuggling operations, intercepting contraband goods valued at over N352 million, including 481 loaves of cannabis sativa, along the Badagry waterways.
The seizure, made between April 24 and June 24, was announced Tuesday in Lagos by the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, who officially handed over the seized cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Addressing journalists during the handover, Ntadi said the command seized 2,017 bags of parboiled rice worth N212 million, the cannabis valued at N50 million, as well as seven sacks of 50kg sugar, 72 rolls of foreign textile materials, and nine smuggling boats, all together bringing the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) to N352 million.
“These seizures are a significant disruption to criminal syndicates operating across our waterways. They highlight our firm resolve to dismantle smuggling networks and protect Nigeria’s economy and society from illicit trade,” Ntadi stated.
he seizures were made in intensified operations across the Badagry creeks and surrounding coastal routes — known corridors for smugglers attempting to evade enforcement, according to him.
Ntadi attributed the success to improved intelligence gathering, increased patrol activities, and strong collaboration with other security agencies, especially the Nigeria Navy, which intercepted some of the rice-laden boats.
He emphasized the role of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose leadership and support, he said, had motivated the command to step up its anti-smuggling campaigns.
“With more patrol vessels now deployed, we are better equipped to monitor our waterways and respond swiftly to smuggling threats,” he said.
While handing over the cannabis to the Acting Commander of the NDLEA Marine Command, Mr. Emmanuel Morrison, Ntadi reiterated the Customs’ commitment to inter-agency cooperation in securing the nation’s borders and combating drug trafficking.
Ntadi also called on citizens living along the waterways to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and illegal trade, stressing that “community vigilance is key to maintaining law and order.”
He vowed that the Western Marine Command would not relent in its mission to curb smuggling and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s maritime borders.
In response, Morrison commended the Customs Service for its vigilance and pledged that the NDLEA would investigate the source and network behind the intercepted cannabis.
“This collaboration is crucial in our joint efforts to rid the country of illicit drugs and bring perpetrators to justice,” Morrison said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
