Nigerian authorities intercepted 30.1 kilograms of cocaine concealed aboard a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, the MV Aruna, at the Greenview Terminal within Apapa Port, Lagos. The seizure took place on the first working day of the new year and was the result of coordinated action by the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Apapa Port cocaine seizure underlines stronger maritime enforcement
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller for the Apapa Command, confirmed the operation and praised the joint team for its vigilance and professionalism. He said the result reflected “strong inter-agency synergy” and described the interception as a bold statement of the command’s zero-tolerance approach to illicit trade.
The illicit consignments were reportedly well concealed aboard the vessel, demonstrating the sophisticated methods used by smugglers to exploit busy shipping routes. Following established procedures, the NDLEA took possession of the seized cocaine for further forensic analysis and to pursue potential prosecutions.
The interception is the third significant bust attributed to the joint Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA team in recent weeks. Around two weeks prior, the agencies recovered 25.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden in five bags aboard another vessel. In November, authorities uncovered 1,187 kilograms of a high-value strain of cannabis known as “Canadian Loud”, packaged in 2,374 parcels across 55 bags and concealed inside imported vehicles within a 40-foot container.
Together, these operations point to an intensified, intelligence-led campaign against narcotics trafficking through Nigerian seaports. Apapa Port, which handles a large share of the country’s maritime trade, is a key focus for enforcement agencies seeking to protect legitimate commerce while preventing criminal networks from exploiting transit channels.
Comptroller Oshoba emphasised that while criminal elements may attempt to disguise contraband as import, export or transit cargo, officers remain alert and committed to preventing smuggling. He added that the command would continue to balance facilitation of lawful trade with measures to safeguard national security and public health.
Law enforcement sources say the recent cluster of seizures has been driven by better information sharing between agencies, improved cargo inspection protocols and targeted checks based on risk indicators. The coordinated approach aims to reduce the flow of illicit narcotics that can fuel organised crime, violence and corruption.
Investigations into the origin and intended destination of the intercepted cocaine are ongoing. Authorities are expected to follow forensic leads and collaborate with international partners where necessary to identify syndicates behind the shipments.
The Apapa Port cocaine seizure adds to a sustained enforcement push as Nigeria’s maritime authorities enter the new year. Officials reiterated their commitment to strengthening port security and ensuring that trade routes remain safe for legitimate operators, noting that successful interdictions contribute to broader regional efforts to combat transnational drug trafficking.
Key Takeaways:
- Apapa Port cocaine seizure: Customs and NDLEA intercepted 30.1kg of cocaine aboard MV Aruna at Lagos’ Greenview Terminal.
- The joint operation highlights intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency cooperation at Nigeria’s busiest seaport.
- This marks the third major interception by the NCS-NDLEA team in recent weeks, following earlier large seizures.
