The Seme, Idiroko Border Striking Blows Against Drug, Wildlife Trafficking

BY FUNMI ALUKO

In a dramatic show of vigilance and resolve, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded two landmark interceptions; one involving a billion-naira cocaine haul along the Badagry–Seme corridor, and another thwarting the illicit trafficking of endangered pangolins along the Idiroko Border in Ogun State. Both operations underscore the Service’s uncompromising zero-tolerance policy under the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.   

Officers of the Seme Area Command stunned traffickers when they intercepted 22 packages of suspected cocaine, ingeniously concealed in a Toyota Highlander’s specially constructed bunker beneath its axle.

The operation, executed in the early hours of February 10, 2026, was led by Comptroller Wale Adenuga and his team. Deputy Comptroller General Timi Bomodi, representing CGC Adeniyi, revealed that one suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.

“This interception reflects the sharp eyes and professionalism of our officers. Drug trafficking fuels insecurity, and our mandate under Section 55(1)(C) of the NCS Act, 2023, empowers us to protect public health and national security,” Bomodi stated.

The seized drugs and suspect were formally handed over to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on February 13, 2026. Receiving the exhibits, NDLEA’s Assistant Commander General, Abubakar Wali, praised the synergy between both agencies, noting that forensic analysis and thorough investigation would follow to ensure that justice is served.

Barely two days later, officers of the Ogun I Area Command struck another decisive blow, this time against wildlife traffickers. A statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Chado said, acting on credible intelligence, a patrol team intercepted a motorcycle along the Yemoamota–Igboora axis at 3:00 a.m. on February 12, 2026.

Hidden inside wire mesh cages and sacks were four live pangolins, one of the world’s most trafficked and endangered species. The suspects according to the Command fled into the bush, abandoning both the motorcycle and the animals.

Assistant Comptroller Tajudeen Bello, representing Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, formally handed over the pangolins to the Wildlife Conservation Centre on February 13, 2026.

Afeni reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), warning traffickers that Customs remains “battle-ready and fully equipped” to dismantle smuggling syndicates.

These twin victories against narcotics and wildlife trafficking highlights the Nigeria Customs Service’s sharpened focus on border security and inter-agency collaboration. Under CGC Adewale Adeniyi’s leadership, the Service has consistently demonstrated that smugglers, whether dealing in drugs or endangered species, will find no safe passage across Nigeria’s borders.

This, quite resolute, the NCS is unyielding in its mission to protect lives, preserve biodiversity, and uphold national security.