By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commissioned a state-of-the-art analytics centre at its Apapa Command while unveiling seizures of expired pharmaceutical products and other prohibited goods valued at over ₦6.38 billion.
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The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commissioned the facility during a working visit to the Apapa Command on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, where he also displayed the seized items intercepted through recent enforcement operations.
Speaking during the event, Adeniyi said the seizures were a direct result of the Service’s shift towards intelligence-driven enforcement supported by advanced scanning technology and targeted physical examinations.
According to him, through risk profiling and non-intrusive inspection procedures, officers identified several containers with irregular cargo profiles that required further examination.
He explained that the operation led to the interception of thirteen containers along with additional contraband items uncovered during coordinated enforcement activities at the port.
Among the seizures was a 40-foot container conveying large quantities of expired pharmaceutical products, including Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, chloroquine injections, and diclofenac tablets.
Two other 40-foot containers were found to contain large consignments of Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate—both unregistered pharmaceutical products.
In another interception, a 20-foot container carrying 800 cartons of codeine (TPL CSC) was discovered concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary wares.
Customs Officers also uncovered a 40-foot container containing cartons of Artesunate 60 injections and another container conveying restricted security equipment without End-User Certificates. The equipment included bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies, and tactical torches.
Additional seizures included containers of expired muffin cookie biscuits, 36,000 cans of expired Primo energy drinks, and expired tomato paste brands such as St. Kelvin and De Truth.
Further examination revealed a 40-foot container carrying 1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup concealed inside luxury food flasks.
Another container contained 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine hidden alongside cartons of electric kettles, as well as additional pharmaceutical products including Bristol brand Co-codamol 500mg and Zevita brand Co-codamol 500mg.
In a related interception, Officers recovered 13 jumbo bags of cannabis sativa weighing 347.57kg concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle.
Adeniyi stated that the total Duty Paid Value of the seized items amounts to ₦6,381,237,988.00.
He noted that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses a serious threat to public health, while the smuggling of codeine-based products could fuel substance abuse and undermine the nation’s healthcare system.
The Customs boss warned that Apapa Port would no longer be a safe haven for smugglers attempting to exploit legitimate trade channels.
He added that in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized consignments are liable to outright forfeiture while those linked to the shipments would face investigation and prosecution.
Adeniyi also reassured compliant traders that the Service’s enforcement operations are not targeted at legitimate businesses but at criminal networks undermining Nigeria’s trade system.
Meanwhile, the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comproller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the newly commissioned facility—named the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytics Arena was designed to strengthen intelligence gathering and operational coordination within the command.
Oshoba explained that the two-storey complex houses the command’s analytics centre, the Customs Intelligence Unit, a clinic for personnel, and other strategic operational offices.
According to him, the project reflects the CGC’s vision of deploying modern technology and data analytics to combat smuggling, enhance border security, and facilitate legitimate trade.
