NCS Clutches 13 Containers of Expired Drugs, Foods, Substance Worth Over 6 Billion Naira.

…. As CGC Adeniyi Commissions State -of- the-art Analytics Center at Apapa Port

By Stella Okocha 

The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted thirteen (13) containers of expired pharmaceutical products and falsely declared goods worth over six billion Naira, through intelligence-driven enforcement, supported by scanning technology.

This massive seizures were made public by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, during a press briefing at the APM Terminal of the Apapa Port Command on Tuesday, 10th of March 2026.

Speaking to Journalists, the CGC said that the seizures were direct outcome of the innovative shift towards intelligence-driven enforcement supported by scanning technology and targeted physical examination.

“Through careful risk profiling and non intrusive inspection procedures, officers of the Service identified several containers with irregular cargo profiles that warranted further examination. What we are presenting today involves thirteen (13) containers and additional contraband items intercepted through coordinated enforcement operations”, he said

The CGC continued, “Following detailed scanning analysis and physical examination, officers uncovered the following consignments: A 40-foot container (HASU 4072659) conveying large quantities of expired pharmaceutical products including Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, Chloroquine injections and Diclofenac tablets. Two 40-foot containers (MRSU 4584911 and MRSU 6913370) conveying large consignments of Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate,

unregistered pharmaceuticals. A 20-foot container (MRKU 8830266) conveying 800 cartons of Codeine (TPL CSC) deliberately concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware. A 40-foot container (MRSU 5147562) conveying cartons of Artesunate 60 injections.

A 20-foot container (PCIU 286888) conveying restricted security equipment without End User Certificates, including bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies and tactical torches.

“Additional seizures include: A 20-foot container (TCLU 3819607) conveying expired muffin cookie biscuits. A 20-foot container (UGMU 8692902) containing 36,000 cans of expired Primo energy drinks. A 20-foot container (SUDU 1696593) loaded with expired St. Kelvin tomato paste.

Another 20-foot container (TCLU 1923314) containing expired De Truth tomato paste. A 40-foot container (TCNU 7257465) containing 1,700 cartons of Codeine cough syrup concealed with luxury food flasks. Another 40-foot container (CAAU 8375050) was found to contain 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine concealed with 156 cartons of electric kettles, alongside additional pharmaceutical seizures including 13 cartons of Bristol brand Co-codamol 500mg and 2 cartons of Zevita brand Co-codamol 500mg. Officers also intercepted 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa (Colorado) weighing 347.57kg concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle with Chassis No. 5TDDK3DC7DS057669.”

“Collectively, these seizures amount to ₦6,381,237,988.00 (Six Billion, Three Hundred and Eighty-One Million, Two Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Eight Naira) worth of prohibited, expired and falsely declared goods. The importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses a direct threat to public health, while the concealment of codeine-based products represents a calculated attempt to fuel substance abuse and undermine our healthcare system.”

Adeniyi went further to state that, “let me therefore state clearly that Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade

documentation. In accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, these consignments are liable to outright forfeiture, while penalties will be imposed, evaded revenues recovered and all persons connected to these shipments will face prosecution.”

“To compliant traders and investors, let me reiterate that our enforcement is not against legitimate trade; it is against criminality. Those who comply with the law will continue to enjoy facilitation and predictability. Let today’s operation send an unmistakable signal: the gaps smugglers once exploited in our ports are closing fast. Through technology, intelligence, and vigilant officers, the Nigeria Customs Service will intercept, expose, and prosecute anyone who attempts to undermine our trade system or threaten the safety of our citizens,” the CG said.

Moving away from the seizures, CGC Adeniyi also commissioned a State- of- the-art Analytics Center at the NCS, Apapa Command, the same day.

Addressing stakeholders, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said that the magnificent two – storey building named CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytics Arena, had been designed with a futuristic, data-driven approach to border security.

He highlighted that that it was patterned to house critical, tactical and operational components of the Command, including : The State -of- the-art Analytics Center of excellence, the Customs Intelligence Unit(CIU), the Command’s Clinic, to ensure the health and well-being of personnel, and other key strategic offices.

The CAC added that the infrastructure was a direct reflection of the vision of the CG to leverage modern technology and analytics to fight smuggling, secure the nation and facilitate legitimate Clutch

Oshoba appreciated the CGC for his unwavering support, as well as prioritizing the welfare and operational efficiency of officers at Command level.

He also expressed profound appreciation to stakeholders and partners, saying that their collaboration had been instrumental in turning the vision into reality.