Nigeria Customs Intercepts N921bn Worth of Contraband, Drones, and Unregistered Pharmaceuticals in Four Months

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted contraband items, including high-tech drones and unregistered pharmaceutical products, with an estimated street value of N921 billion between January and April 2025.

This was disclosed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, during a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday. He stated that the seizures are part of intensified efforts to counter criminal networks attempting to breach Nigeria’s import laws and border security systems.

According to Adeniyi, the operation was a joint effort between the Customs and other government security agencies, and was in line with the federal government’s strategic economic and security directives.

“We have escalated our risk assessment protocols at all points of entry—airports, seaports, and land borders—in response to evolving methods used by transnational criminal networks,” Adeniyi said. “These networks aim to undermine our border security architecture and evade customs duties.”

He raised alarm over the increasing infiltration of unregistered pharmaceuticals into the Nigerian market, warning that such products pose a major threat to public health and could result in avoidable fatalities.

“There is a troubling trend where importers falsely declare pharmaceuticals as general merchandise or cosmetics,” he added, noting that many of these products lack regulatory approval or quality certifications.

The Customs boss praised the Apapa Port Command for its role in recent interceptions, particularly commending the vigilance and professionalism of the port’s Area Comptroller and officers.

“Our success reflects effective inter-agency collaboration and the dedication of our officers. We will continue to strengthen enforcement to protect Nigeria’s economy and public health,” Adeniyi said.

The NCS pledged to remain on high alert and sustain its crackdown on illegal imports to ensure national security and economic stability.

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