Customs FOU ‘A’ Intercepts ₦3.9Bn Illicit Drugs in Four Months, Hands Over Narcotics and Suspects to NDLEA, NESREA
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted illicit drugs valued at ₦3.95 billion and arrested three suspects over a four-month period.
The developments were made known in a press conference on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the unit headquarters on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos, during the formal handover of the seized items to partner agencies.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, noted that the exercise underscores the service’s commitment to national security and inter-agency collaboration.
”It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this important handover of seized illicit goods by the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, of the Nigeria Customs Service,” Comptroller Gambo said.
“Today’s event is a practical demonstration of the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to national security, public health, environmental safety and the economic well-being of Nigerians. It also reflects the importance of Strategic Partnership in the fight against smuggling and other forms of transborder crime.
“The psychotropic substances being handed over today were intercepted and seized by the gallant officers and men of this unit during our sustained anti-smuggling operations along the border corridor, highways, and other strategic locations within our area of responsibility (AOR).”
“The decisive enforcement actions targeted drug trafficking syndicates across the zone, leading to the recovery of several narcotics”
Giving a breakdown of the narcotics, Compt Gambo Aliyu listed 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks of synthetic strain cannabis sativa weighing 3,116.9 kg, 3½ packs of ground cannabis (skunk) weighing 3.45 kg, 2 packs of granular cannabis (skunk) weighing 1 kg and 11 small packs of granular cannabis (skunk) weighing 0.35 kg.
Others are; 24 packets of Backwoods Russian Cream cigars weighing 0.5 g, 49 wraps of cannabis (skunk) weighing 26.1 kg, 1 wrap of crystal methamphetamine weighing 0.35 kg
The narcotics were formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation alongside three arrested suspects.
In addition to the narcotics, officers transferred 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of 225mg and 100mg Tramadol tablets, 1,200 Hypnox 1mg tablets, and 97 bottles of Codeine syrup.
“The illicit movement of cannabis sativa and other controlled substances poses a serious threat to public health, national security and the future of our young people. Such substances fuel addiction, criminality, violence and other social problems,” Comptroller Gambo emphasized.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, through strengthening the integrity of the supply chain, will continue to support the efforts of the NDLEA by disrupting the movement of narcotic drugs and illicit goods across Nigeria’s borders. We are equally committed to providing relevant information and supporting further investigation whenever necessary,” he stated.
“The formal transfer of these items to the NDLEA will enable the agency to conduct the appropriate forensic, investigative and prosecutorial processes in accordance with the law. It will also ensure that the seized narcotics are handled, stored and disposed of in a secure and professionally regulated manner.”
Beyond narcotics, the unit intercepted four cylinders of a chemical compound weighing 34.5 kg each, identified as high-grade mercury. The hazardous substance, typically utilized in small-scale gold mining, poses severe environmental risks and is regulated under the Minamata Convention.
The chemical was transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for proper regulatory handling.
“This event underscores the fact that no single agency can effectively confront the complex nature of contemporary smuggling and trans-border criminality alone,” Comptroller Gambo concluded.
“Our collaboration must therefore continue through information sharing, joint operations, coordinated intelligence, capacity building and prompt transfer of items that fall within the jurisdiction of partner agencies.”
The high point of the event was the physical transfer of the seized items. The four canisters of high-grade mercury intercepted along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor were handed over to NESREA representative David Vonkur.
The illicit drugs, valued at ₦3,951,085,000, along with the three suspects, were received by the NDLEA Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Lagos State Command, JE Akogwu.
