Nigeria Customs Service officers have intercepted 22 packages of suspected cocaine, valued at ₦1 billion, along the Badagry–Seme border corridor. The significant seizure was conducted in the early hours of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, by the Seme Area Command.
The illicit substance was discovered concealed within a specially constructed bunker beneath the axle of a Toyota Highlander. One individual was arrested in connection with the smuggling attempt. This operation underscores intensified enforcement along key transit routes used for cross-border trafficking.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) confirmed the seizure in a statement, highlighting it as part of ongoing inter-agency efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks. The intercepted packages and the suspect were formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for forensic analysis and further investigation.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Deputy Comptroller-General Timi Bomodi stated the operation reflects the Service’s commitment to protecting national borders. He referenced Section 55(1)(C) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the agency to enforce prohibitions related to public health and national security. The NCS emphasized that drug trafficking is intrinsically linked to insecurity and organized crime, necessitating robust inter-agency cooperation.
NDLEA officials praised the collaboration, noting its critical role in combating illicit drug flows. The handover demonstrates a coordinated approach between customs and anti-narcotics authorities.
The Badagry–Seme axis is a known hotspot for smuggling activities due to its proximity to neighbouring countries. This interception signals continued vigilance by Nigerian border agencies. The seizure is currently under investigation, with forensic results expected to determine the exact composition and purity of the suspected cocaine.
