Officers from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted 30.1 kilograms of cocaine concealed aboard a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel at the Apapa Port in Lagos on Friday, 2 January 2026. The drugs, packaged in 30 slabs, were discovered at the Greenview Terminal during intelligence-led checks on the vessel MV Aruna.
Apapa Port cocaine seizure: what happened
The seizure took place on the first working day of the year and marks a firm start to enforcement activity in 2026. Officers of the Apapa Area Command acted on credible intelligence to inspect the ship’s cargo and uncovered the concealed narcotics. Under standard procedure, the consignments were transferred to NDLEA custody for further forensic analysis and for use in any subsequent prosecutions.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller at Apapa, described the interception as a strong signal that the command will not tolerate smuggling. He said the result was evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven enforcement and the close working relationship between NCS and NDLEA. “Criminal networks may devise sophisticated methods, but our officers remain vigilant and resolute,” he said.
The latest interception is the third significant drug bust by the joint team in recent weeks. About two weeks earlier, the agencies seized 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in five bags aboard another vessel after following up on credible information. In an earlier operation on 11 December 2025, the Apapa Command recorded one of its largest hauls when 1,187 kilograms of a high-value cannabis strain known as Canadian Loud were found hidden in imported vehicles inside a 40-foot container. That consignment consisted of 2,374 parcels across 55 bags.
These successive seizures point to an ongoing pattern of attempts by transnational trafficking syndicates to exploit commercial shipping routes. The Apapa Port is among Nigeria’s busiest and plays a central role in trade for the region. Authorities say that maintaining rigorous screening and intelligence-sharing protocols is essential to ensure legitimate trade is not used as a cover for illicit consignments.
Analysts say the joint operations are important for protecting national security and the integrity of supply chains. By intercepting shipments at the port, enforcement agencies reduce the risk of organised crime infiltrating domestic markets and limit the potential for proceeds from narcotics to fuel other illegal activities.
Looking ahead, the NCS and NDLEA have pledged to sustain their collaborative approach. The agencies plan to continue targeted inspections based on intelligence and to strengthen cooperation with international partners to track and dismantle networks behind the consignments.
For now, the seizure reinforces the message from port authorities that Nigeria’s seaports will not be safe routes for drug traffickers. The case remains under investigation and those responsible will be pursued through the legal process following forensic examinations and further enquiries by NDLEA investigators.
Key Takeaways:
- Apapa Port cocaine seizure: 30.1kg of cocaine found concealed aboard Marshall Islands-flagged MV Aruna at Greenview Terminal.
- Operation was intelligence-led and executed jointly by Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA.
- This follows recent major interceptions, including 1,187kg of cannabis in December.
- Seized contraband has been handed to NDLEA for investigation and possible prosecution.
