Customs Hands Over N2.2bn Cannabis To NDLEA At Lekki Port
By Imam Taofik Olamilekan
Lagos, Oct. 15, 2026,The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lagos Free Trade Zone Command, on Thursday handed over 400kg of suspected Cannabis Sativa with a Duty Paid Value of N2.26 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lagos.
The interception, described as a major blow to international drug trafficking syndicates, was made following credible intelligence and deployment of modern non-intrusive inspection technology.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Lagos Free Trade Zone Command, Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Lekki Port on Thursday in Lagos.
Kukoyi said the illicit drug was concealed inside container number PRSU1562064, which was intercepted on Aug. 19, 2026, shortly after it arrived at the Lekki Port.
He explained that the container was originally destined for a bonded terminal outside the command and was scheduled to be moved by barge under the Customs transire procedure.
According to him, acting on credible intelligence, officers of the command stepped down the container and prevented it from leaving the port environment.
Kukoyi noted that allowing such a suspicious consignment to exit the port would have posed grave security risks to the nation.
He said the container was immediately subjected to non-intrusive inspection through scanning, which revealed glaring anomalies in its content.
The anomalies, he said, necessitated a comprehensive physical examination in line with Customs standard operating procedures.
He stated that a joint examination was subsequently conducted at the Lekki Freeport Terminal by operatives of the NCS, NDLEA, Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
During the joint examination, officers uncovered seven pallets containing 400 packages of suspected Cannabis Sativa, weighing 400 kilogrammes.
He said the illicit drugs were cleverly concealed with A4 printing papers in a desperate attempt to beat Customs checks.
The controller disclosed that 798 reams of A4 paper were used as concealment materials to disguise the contraband.
Kukoyi put the Duty Paid Value of the seized substance at N2.26 billion, describing it as a huge loss to the drug barons.
He said a report on the seizure was forwarded to the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Abuja, for further directives.
Following approval from the Headquarters, he said, the command proceeded with the formal handover to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
Kukoyi said the interception represented a victory for public safety and national security.
He warned that illicit drugs destroy the youth, fuel violent crimes and undermine national development.
“This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement, deployment of modern technology and robust inter-agency collaboration,” he said.
Kukoyi commended officers and men of the command for their vigilance, professionalism and dedication to duty.
He also acknowledged the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his policy thrust of consolidation, collaboration and innovation which has continued to strengthen the Service.
He said the CGC’s leadership has repositioned Customs for greater efficiency and global best practices.
The Acting Controller issued a stern warning to criminal networks exploiting Nigerian ports for illegality.
He assured that the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command remains vigilant, with an active intelligence network and unwavering enforcement resolve.
“No matter how sophisticated their concealment methods, we will uncover them and bring them to justice,” Kukoyi warned.
Receiving the exhibit, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Lekki Port Area Command, Jonah Achema, said the seizure demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency synergy at the port.
Achema noted that the seizure, coming few days after Kukoyi assumed office as Acting Area Controller, sends a strong signal that the counter-narcotics fight will be taken to a higher level.
He said the 400kg Cannabis Indica imported from Thailand and the previous interception of 46 tonnes of Tramadol valued at N35 billion at the same port, reflect the vision of the NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd).
According to him, the vision is to make Nigerian seaports and borders impervious to drug trafficking.
He assured the Customs Service and other sister agencies that the NDLEA would sustain its vigilance and intelligence-driven approach.
Achema commended the Customs command for its transparency and commitment to national security.
He said investigation has commenced to track the importers, clearing agents and other collaborators behind the failed importation.
