The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Customs Area Command, has announced a series of landmark interceptions and revenue milestones that underscore its critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and national security.
According to official records released by the command, operatives seized no fewer than 75 categories of contraband goods worth several billions of naira within the past 15 months under the leadership of Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu.
The seizures included assorted rifles, live ammunition, expired pharmaceuticals, fake drugs, banned substances such as codeine and tramadol, used clothing, margarine past its shelf life, wild animal skins, and stolen vehicles.
Security officials also intercepted a large consignment of restricted gadgets, including 60 warrior drones without valid End-User Certificates, 53 helicopter drones, and 10 professional FM transceivers, estimated at a duty-paid value running into billions of naira.
Customs said these seizures were critical in preventing dangerous goods from entering circulation and protecting Nigerians from harmful products.
The command’s financial performance has also been impressive.
Between May 2024 and July 2025, the Apapa Command raked in ₦3.7 trillion in revenue for the Federal Government, consolidating its reputation as the country’s most strategic port command.
The breakdown of collections showed steady monthly growth:
₦175.1bn in May 2024
₦178.2bn in June
₦201.8bn in July
₦189.5bn in August
₦193.9bn in September
₦264.4bn in October
₦229.3bn in November
₦252.5bn in December
For 2025, collections continued strongly, with ₦269.3bn in January, ₦216.9bn in February, ₦215.9bn in March, ₦230.7bn in April, ₦230.7bn in May, ₦209.1bn in June, ₦214.5bn in July, and ₦215bn in August.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, commended Comptroller Olomu and his team for their vigilance.
He noted that the Apapa Command not only processes the largest volume of trade in Nigeria but also shoulders the highest expectations in terms of revenue and anti-smuggling operations.
“The Apapa Command handles the highest volume of trade for NCS and collects the highest revenue, so the level of expectation is equally high.
These seizures highlight our commitment to safeguarding national security and protecting Nigerians from harmful imports,” Adeniyi said.
He urged port users to embrace legitimate trade, warning that Customs remains committed to exposing and prosecuting all forms of concealment and illegal importation.
Beyond conventional contraband, the Apapa Customs also cracked down on the smuggling of restricted goods such as telecommunication devices and endangered animal products, which threaten biodiversity and disrupt local markets.
Customs noted that Nigeria’s ports have long been targeted by international smuggling syndicates, but recent reforms and technology-driven strategies have tightened surveillance.
Analysts believe that the seizures of high-tech drones and communication devices demonstrate a growing trend of security-related smuggling, potentially linked to criminal networks and terrorism financing.
Maritime industry stakeholders have hailed the seizures, describing them as a boost for Nigeria’s anti-smuggling drive and a reassurance for legitimate importers.
According to the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, strict enforcement at Apapa will discourage unscrupulous traders from using Nigerian ports as transit points for banned cargo.
Economists also highlighted that the ₦3.7 trillion revenue collection is critical at a time when the Federal Government is pushing to diversify revenue sources away from oil.
Customs duties remain one of the largest contributors to non-oil revenue in Nigeria’s fiscal framework.
The Apapa Command is expected to further strengthen surveillance in the coming months, with advanced scanners, intelligence-driven inspections, and closer collaboration with international partners.
Authorities say the priority is not just revenue but also protecting lives, ensuring national security, and maintaining Nigeria’s reputation in global trade.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with rising insecurity and economic challenges, the Customs Service insists that its aggressive enforcement strategy will remain in place to deter smuggling, boost revenue, and promote legitimate trade.