Adeniyi, Customs Boss Showcased 13 Seized Containers at Apapa Port

…Says “We’re Closing Gaps Smugglers Created in Our Ports”

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has reaffirmed the Apapa Area Command’s reputation as the flagship of compliance and enforcement within the Nigeria Customs Service, showcasing its operational achievements in cargo control and anti-smuggling activities.

Adeniyi who was speaking during a press briefing in Apapa Lagos, announced the interception of 13 containers with additional contraband items valued at ₦6,381,237,988.00, describing the seizures as the direct outcome of intelligence-driven enforcement supported by scanning technology and targeted physical examination.

He explained that the seizures were made through risk profiling and non-intrusive inspection procedures, following the identification of irregular cargo profiling by officers which warranted deeper examination. Adeniyi further explained that following detailed scanning analysis and physical checks, the following consignments were uncovered:

*Container HASU 4072659 laden with expired pharmaceuticals including Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, chloroquine injections, diclofenac tablets.

*Containers MRSU 4584911 & MRSU 6913370 discovered to be laced with large consignments of Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate, both unregistered pharmaceuticals.

*Container MRKU 8830266 stuffed with 800 cartons of codeine concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware.

*Container MRSU 5147562 carrying cartons of artesunate that consist of 60 injections.

*Container PCIU 286888 laden with restricted security equipment without End User Certificates, including bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies, and tactical torches.

Speaking further, the Customs boss listed the additional following containers and seizures:

Container TCLU 3819607 laden with expired muffin cookie biscuits, Container UGMU 8692902 with 36,000 cans of expired Primo energy drinks, Container SUDU 1696593 bearing expired St. Kelvin tomato paste, Container TCLU 1923314 with  expired De Truth tomato paste; and another container with registration number TCNU 7257465, carrying  1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup, concealed with luxury food flasks.

Others  are Container CAAU 8375050 with 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine concealed with 156 cartons of electric kettles, alongside 13 cartons of Bristol Co-codamol 500mg and 2 cartons of Zevita Co-codamol 500mg; and Toyota Sienna (Chassis No. 5TDDK3DC7DS057669) with 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa (Colorado) weighing 347.57kg.

Speaking on the Apapa Port scanning unit and the statistics of cargo examined within the period under review, Adeniyi the commitment underscores the scale of Customs enforcement. He disclosed that a total of 3,236 consignments were processed through the Orange channel (non-intrusive scanning), 5,490 consignments cleared via the Yellow channel (documentary checks), while 21,373 consignments was subjected to full physical examination under the Red channel.

In summary, while 1,118 consignments passed through the Blue channel, a total of 149 consignments were facilitated under the Green channel. This distribution according to the customs helmsman shows that physical examination still dominates cargo control, reinforcing the need to expand scanning technology to improve efficiency and reduce congestion.

This is even as he noted that the NCS has continued to raise the bar in strategic enforcement goals. Adeniyi emphasized that the Service is working to achieve the following:

1. Expand non-intrusive inspection systems across Apapa, Tin Can Island, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar ports before year-end.
2. Strengthen intelligence-driven risk management, focusing physical examinations on high-risk consignments.
3. Facilitate faster clearance for compliant traders through the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
4. Enforce strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, under which seized items are liable to forfeiture, also leading to the prosecution of individuals linked to the transactions.

Expressing concern about the consistency of identified patterns adopted by unscrupulous traders to beat the system, Adeniyi said that the present administration is taking extra measures to ensure that such gaps are closed.

“The importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses a direct threat to public health, while the concealment of codeine-based products represents a calculated attempt to fuel substance abuse and undermine our healthcare system

Comptroller Oshoba showcasing some of the seizures

“Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation. Let today’s operation send an unmistakable signal: the gaps smugglers once exploited in our ports are closing fast. Through technology, intelligence, and vigilant officers, the Nigeria Customs Service will intercept, expose, and prosecute anyone who attempts to undermine our trade system or threaten the safety of our citizens”, he declared.

The Customs boss lauded the fortrightness and unbending resolve of Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Command Area Controller and his officers and men to combat the menace of smuggling, in addition to raising the bar in reveneue generation and revovery.