The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has reinforced its maritime border protection operations with the interception of 1,205 wraps of Cannabis Indica, valued at ₦157.83 million, suspected to have been smuggled into the country through coastal waterways.
Addressing journalists at the command on Wednesday, January 14, 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, said the illicit drugs were concealed in 20 sacks and intercepted during routine patrols along Nigeria’s maritime borders.
Comptroller Ntadi attributed the successful operation to enhanced intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency collaboration and sustained motivation from the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
He disclosed that the command’s operational capacity is set to receive a major boost with the delivery of seven brand-new patrol boats. According to him, the new assets will significantly enhance Customs’ presence at sea and improve response time in combating smuggling and other transborder crimes.
“This January, we will be taking delivery of seven boats. When we do, we will get deeper into the sea, become more efficient and effective, and achieve even more operational goals,” Ntadi said.
Beyond enforcement, the CAC highlighted the command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade. He revealed that the Container Seat team successfully escorted 21,414 containers from the main port to various bonded terminals, ensuring transparency, compliance and the seamless movement of cargo.
“These operational achievements reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the command to its statutory responsibilities of revenue protection, border security and trade facilitation,” he added.
The seized cannabis was subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
Earlier, Comptroller Ntadi received other Area Controllers within Zone A, including Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba of Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Joe Anani of Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited, and Comptroller Frank Onyeka of Tin Can Island Port Command.
Speaking during the command’s parade, the visiting Area Controllers charged officers to uphold discipline, professionalism and foresight in the discharge of their duties.
“Discipline is key. Building yourself up is key. Professionalism is the only way for us to thrive in this environment,” Comptroller Oshoba said.
The Western Marine Command reiterated its resolve to sustain aggressive maritime patrols while strengthening collaboration with sister security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and waterways.
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