FCT Customs Hands Over Seized N8.6bn Worth of Tramadol

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has intercepted a large consignment of tramadol valued at over ₦8.6 billion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja as part of its significant anti-smuggling effort.

The seizure, made on Saturday, 5 April 2025, was unveiled during a press briefing on Monday, 7 April 2025, at the airport’s Cargo Terminal. The Customs Area Controller, FCT Command, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, led the inspection of the concealed items.

Addressing journalists, Comptroller Adebisi condemned the actions of individuals who continue to traffic illicit substances into the country under the guise of trade.

“It is deeply troubling that some unpatriotic elements are determined to flood our communities with dangerous drugs simply for profit, even if it costs lives.” He said.

“These types of drugs often end up in the hands of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, Boko Haram fighters, and other criminal elements threatening the peace of our nation,” he added.

Comptroller Adebisi disclosed that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted tramadol stood at ₦8,654,800,000, emphasising that the NCS, under his leadership, would continue to clamp down on smugglers operating within and beyond the FCT.

He also commended the unwavering backing of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, under whose administration the FCT Command has received critical institutional support and operational leverage to intensify its enforcement efforts.

“In line with the strong institutional synergy championed by the Comptroller-General, we have secured approval to transfer the seized items to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).” Comptroller Adebisi noted.

The illicit cargo was officially handed over to the NDLEA Commandant of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, CN Muhammad Jidda, in the presence of representatives from other sister security agencies.

Receiving the items, Commandant Muhammad Jidda commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and sustained collaboration with drug control agencies.

“What we’re witnessing today is a model example of inter-agency cooperation.” He said.

“We sincerely commend the Nigeria Customs Service for their alertness and their refusal to allow Nigeria to become a dumping ground for psychotropic substances. The tramadol you see here would have caused incalculable harm to communities had it found its way to the streets.”

Commandant Jidda also assured that the NDLEA would proceed with a thorough investigation to trace the consignment’s origin and intended destination while reaffirming the agency’s readiness to prosecute culprits in accordance with the law.

This latest operation adds to the growing list of collaborative seizures between the NCS and NDLEA, as Nigeria intensifies its war against drug trafficking and its dangerous ties to national insecurity.