By Amina Ojelabi
In a major breakthrough against transnational drug trafficking, the Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a ₦29.4 billion cocaine shipment, describing the seizure as one of the most remarkable and mysterious in the Service’s history.
The Command’s Comptroller, Joe Anani, disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday at the PTML headquarters in Lagos.
According to him, the discovery followed a report from the terminal operator, who found suspicious packages inside one of 39 empty containers designated for export. The 20-foot container, with number GCNU1332851, had arrived from Freetown, Sierra Leone, and was flagged during a routine disinfection exercise on October 7, 2025.
“The terminal operator alerted the Command immediately, and a joint examination was conducted in collaboration with officers of the NDLEA, Department of State Services (DSS), Police Anti-Bomb Squad, and other relevant agencies,” Anani said.
The examination revealed 50 packages containing 20 parcels each, which were subjected to rapid testing. The tests confirmed the contents as cocaine, weighing 1,000 kilograms (one tonne), with a duty paid value (DPV) of ₦29,403,738,000.
Comptroller Anani clarified that the container was not part of any import consignment, but rather one of several empty containers brought in by the terminal operator for export loading.
“This incident stands out as one of the most mysterious cocaine interceptions in the history of the Service. The container had no consignee linked to it, and no arrest has been made so far,” he stated.
He lauded the PTML terminal operator for promptly alerting Customs authorities and commended the high level of inter-agency collaboration that led to the successful seizure.
“This interception underscores the vigilance, professionalism, and synergy among Customs officers, terminal operators, and sister security agencies. It also reaffirms PTML’s reputation as a no-go area for illicit trade,” he said.
Comptroller Anani reiterated the Command’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s seaports and safeguarding the nation from illicit activities.
On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, Anani announced that the seized narcotics would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
The ₦29.4 billion cocaine interception, achieved through coordinated intelligence and cooperation between the NCS, NDLEA, DSS, and other security agencies, marks another milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against narcotics smuggling and port-related crimes.
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