Customs Bust ₦6.38bn Smuggling Operation at Lagos Port

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service have uncovered a major smuggling attempt at Apapa Port in Lagos, seizing a wide range of illegal and expired products valued at about ₦6.38 billion.

The operation, carried out by officers of the Apapa Area Command, led to the interception of 13 containers filled with prohibited goods, expired medicines, controlled drugs, cannabis and restricted security equipment.

Customs authorities said the discovery followed weeks of intelligence gathering and careful monitoring of suspicious consignments arriving at the port. Some of the shipments were subjected to detailed inspections after scanning systems flagged irregularities.

During the inspection, officials discovered large volumes of expired pharmaceutical products, including cold medications, pain relief tablets and injections that authorities said could pose serious health risks if sold to the public.

The officers also uncovered large consignments of codeine-based cough syrup concealed inside everyday household items. In some containers, the substances were hidden among sanitary ware, food flasks and electrical appliances in what officials described as deliberate efforts to evade detection.

Further searches revealed restricted security gear such as bulletproof vests, tactical helmets and communication devices. Such items are classified as controlled imports and require special authorization before they can be brought into the country.

Customs personnel also found containers carrying expired food items, including biscuits, energy drinks and tomato paste that were considered unsafe for consumption.

In a separate find, officers recovered large quantities of cannabis weighing over 300 kilograms hidden inside a vehicle that had been shipped in one of the containers.

Authorities said the total duty-paid value of the seized items stands at ₦6.38 billion, describing the interception as one of the most significant anti-smuggling successes recorded at the port in recent months.

The Customs Service reiterated its commitment to tightening security at Nigeria’s ports and preventing smugglers from using the country’s borders to move illegal goods.

Officials also noted that efforts are ongoing to strengthen cargo inspection systems across major seaports to improve detection of suspicious shipments while ensuring faster processing for legitimate imports.

Investigations are continuing to identify those behind the shipments, while the seized items are expected to be forfeited to the Federal Government in line with existing laws.