The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted smuggled goods valued at over ₦352 million within a two-month period along the Badagry waterways and surrounding areas.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller for the command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, said the seizures included various items such as foreign rice, cannabis sativa, and other prohibited goods.
According to him, 2,017 bags of foreign parboiled rice worth ₦212 million and 481 parcels of cannabis sativa valued at ₦50 million were among the items confiscated during several coordinated operations.
“These seizures are a significant blow to the criminal networks behind smuggling and illegal trade along our waterways,” Ntadi stated. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our borders and promoting legitimate trade activities that support Nigeria’s economy.”
Other items intercepted include seven sacks of 50kg sugar worth ₦672,000, 72 rolls of foreign textile materials valued at ₦71 million, and nine wooden boats estimated at ₦17.5 million. All the confiscated items have a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦352 million.
Ntadi attributed the success to improved intelligence gathering, increased patrols, and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
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“Our efforts have been strengthened by additional patrol vessels and renewed strategies to counter the constantly evolving tactics of smugglers,” he said.
During the briefing, the seized cannabis was formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Receiving the items was the Acting Commander of the Marine Command of the NDLEA, Emmanuel Morrison.
Ntadi appealed to the public to support the service by reporting suspicious activities around coastal communities. “We must all work together to safeguard the nation’s economic integrity and maintain social order,” he urged.
He assured that the command remains dedicated to enforcing the law and ensuring that perpetrators of illegal trade face the full weight of justice.