The Comptroller of Customs for Zone D Command, Bauchi, Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, said the seizures reflect proactive patrol efforts to enforce laws prohibiting the hunting, trafficking, and trade of endangered species and other prohibited goods.

The pangolins, fully protected under the Nigeria Customs Act (1985, amended 2016), will be handed over to Greenfinger Wildlife for their safety, as the Customs Service vowed to continue cracking down on activities that threaten biodiversity and national reputation

The items seized include 5 live pangolins, which are fully protected by the Nigeria Customs Act (1985 as amended in 2016) that cost over 1 million naira for a scale; 15,300 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit, cartons of prohibited foreign soaps and a smuggled Mercedes-Benz car.

He assured that pangolins would be handed over to Greenfinger Wildlife for safety, the service would continue to patrol the crimes threatening biodiversity and the country’s reputation.

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Addressing delegates from member administrations, the Service outlined its transition from routine activity reporting to evidence-based storytelling designed to demonstrate measurable reform outcomes, strengthen transparency, and build stakeholder trust.

The presentation underscored Nigeria Customs’ commitment to aligning capacity-building initiatives with clear performance benchmarks and global best practices.

Speaking at the session, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, delivered a presentation titled “Communicating the Results of Capacity-Building Initiatives More Effectively: Nigeria Customs Service Experience and Lessons Learned.”

In his address to delegates from member administrations, Maiwada explained that the NCS, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who doubles as the Chairperson of the WCO Council, has deliberately transitioned from routine activity reporting to evidence-based storytelling that clearly demonstrates reform outcomes and measurable impact.

“The Service’s reform communication framework is structured around three core pillars: institutional capacity building, human resource development, and stakeholder capacity engagement, ensuring that reforms are not only implemented but clearly understood and trusted,” Maiwada noted. 

Using the Time Release Study (TRS) as a case study, he highlighted how the Service adopted transparent data presentation tools, including infographics, to demonstrate that a significant proportion of cargo clearance delays were attributable to systemic idle time rather than inspection procedures.

According to him, “This approach shifted the narrative from defensive explanations to performance benchmarking, strengthening shared accountability across the trade ecosystem.”

On the Advance Ruling programme, Maiwada disclosed that 83 Advance Rulings were issued in 2025, while registered accounts grew from 60 in December 2024 to 173 in December 2025, reflecting a 188.3 percent increase in stakeholder participation.

He further stated that the initiative accounted for 2.9 percent of total revenue from goods valued at ₦240.89 billion in 2025, reinforcing the role of structured communication in promoting predictability and voluntary compliance.

Highlighting progress under the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, he revealed that about 120 Companies have received full AEO certification. Additionally, 3,270 officers were trained nationwide as AEO Champions to sustain implementation and deepen stakeholder engagement.

He referenced the deployment of the indigenous Unified Customs Management System, called B’Odogwu, as a milestone in digital transformation, supported by continuous sensitisation and user engagement.

Furthermore, he highlighted the Customs Integrity Perception Survey as a data-driven tool for strengthening accountability and public trust, noting that integrity management within the Service is now measurable and continuously assessed.

Maiwada further encouraged WCO member administrations to integrate communication units at the design stage of reform initiatives, humanise institutional processes, sustain engagement beyond single events, and strengthen peer learning across Customs administrations.

At the end of the session, Nigeria nominated LI Yan of China Customs for the position of Chair of the 18th Session of the WCO Capacity Building Committee and was unanimously supported by all delegates. As China’s Customs Attaché to Brussels since 2020, she has effectively managed both multilateral and bilateral initiatives within the WCO and with key partners, consistently fostering collaboration and innovation. Her four terms as Vice Chair and election as Chair at the 16th Session and the recent reelection at the just concluded 17th Session of the WCO Capacity Building Committee reflect her dedication and the Committee’s trust in her abilities.

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The conviction followed a special enforcement operation by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) targeting persistent one-way violations along the Kara–Opic axis of the corridor.

a statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Segun Ogungbemide, the conviction, which was handed down by the Ojodu-Abiodun Magistrate District Court, stemmed from a coordinated enforcement operation launched on 10th February, 2026, to address the persistent and dangerous practice of motorists driving against the flow of traffic along the Kara–Opic axis of the expressway.

The illegal act had escalated due to ongoing bridge expansion joint construction works on both the inward and outward sections of the corridor.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed says the corps will continue to maintain zero tolerance for traffic violations that endanger lives. He assured the motoring public that sustained enforcement operations will continue along critical corridors nationwide.

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The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a bilateral meeting with the Niger Republic Customs Administration, led by its Director-General, Muhammadu Yaqouba, at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.

He noted that the initiative is aimed at easing bottlenecks, facilitating cross-border trade, and strengthening regional cooperation without compromising national security.

He explained that the initiative aims to facilitate the movement of transit cargo, particularly goods from Apapa ports and Nigerian airports, destined for neighbouring countries, while ensuring that national security and economic interests are not compromised.

Adeniyi assured that such cargoes would continue to be processed and moved within 48 hours, adding that strict measures have been put in place to prevent diversion of transit goods, with stiff sanctions awaiting economic operators who violate transit regulations.

According to him, non-compliance by a few operators creates non-tariff barriers and undermines trust, stressing that the Service is determined to streamline documentation and remove avoidable bottlenecks along major corridors such as Illela–Sokoto–Kamba–Niger Republic, as well as routes linking Apapa ports and airports to neighbouring countries.

He congratulated the Director-General of Niger Republic Customs on his appointment, noting that both administrations share a long history of professional collaboration through World Customs Organisation (WCO) platforms and bilateral engagements.

“Cooperation between the two Customs services is shaped not only by shared borders but also by international obligations, particularly Nigeria’s responsibilities under Articles 124 to 132 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantee landlocked countries access to the sea,” he said.

He acknowledged the operational challenges faced by landlocked nations, explaining that dependence on neighbouring ports and infrastructure often increases transaction costs and affects competitiveness.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has, over the years, remained committed to facilitating trade for our landlocked neighbours, including the Republic of Niger. This commitment will be sustained irrespective of political differences, because trade, security and regional stability are interconnected,” he added.

He described the engagement as the beginning of a renewed phase of cooperation, stressing that sustained follow-up actions would help redefine operational modalities, reduce costs, increase trade volumes and make the corridor more attractive to transport operators.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Niger Republic Customs Administration, Muhammadu Yaqouba, described the visit as a working engagement between two professional Customs administrations bound by shared responsibilities.

He thanked the Nigeria Customs Service for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, noting that it reflected the longstanding fraternity between both countries and their Customs institutions.

According to him, the visit was necessitated by two significant challenges: the prolonged blockage of trucks transiting from the Republic of Benin to the Niger Republic and prevailing security concerns across the region.

“We face common security challenges, particularly terrorism and banditry, and engagements like this provide an opportunity to find lasting solutions through cooperation and coordination,” DG Yaqouba said.

He disclosed that the Niger Republic has intensified efforts since 2024 to tackle terrorism, including the launch of Operation Saran Kasa, a coordinated initiative involving all national security agencies, which has recorded notable success.

As part of the operation, he said scanners have been deployed to inspect all goods entering the Niger Republic, stressing that Customs administrations play a critical role in combating terrorism, arms trafficking, and cross-border criminality.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major-General Garba Laka, congratulated DG Yaqouba on his appointment and extended condolences to the Government and people of Niger over the recent terrorist attack near Niamey Airport.

He described the incident as painful, sympathised with the families of the fallen soldiers, and reaffirmed the shared resolve of Nigeria and Niger to prevent a recurrence.

Major-General Laka stressed that Nigeria and Niger share more than borders, describing the two countries as one people with deep historical, cultural and familial ties, particularly in border communities.

“Insecurity in any part of the Sahel affects all of us. Arms trafficking, drug smuggling and the concealment of ammunition in cargo vehicles remain major threats that require coordinated and sustained action,” he said.

He disclosed that the Government of Nigeria places high priority on Niger-related matters, including trade, energy supply and security, noting that requests from Niger, especially on petroleum products and gas, receive prompt attention at the highest level.

The Major-General advocated the revival of bilateral security frameworks, such as cross-border right-of-pursuit arrangements, and called for joint Nigeria–Niger operations and sustained inter-agency collaboration, while expressing confidence that the meeting’s outcomes would translate into concrete actions.

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Onyeka, who made this disclosure through a statement shared by the command on X on Tuesday, disclosed that the seizure followed a routine examination on 6 November at a bonded terminal. The 40-foot container, declared as carrying two used vehicles and household items, was found to contain narcotics.

“Although the consignment was declared as containing two used vehicles and household items, a joint examination by Customs Enforcement officers, the CIU, and personnel from the NDLEA, DSS, and Nigeria Police revealed otherwise,” Onyeka said.

The officers uncovered 500 grams of methamphetamine, valued at ₦7.5 million, and 49 packages of “Molly” (ecstasy) weighing 105.5 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦2.5 billion.
“The total value of the narcotics stands at ₦2,507,500,000,” he added.

Describing the interception as proof of persistent attempts by criminal networks to exploit Nigeria’s trade environment, Onyeka warned: “This seizure sends a strong and clear message to all criminal elements attempting to exploit our ports and border stations: the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to detect, intercept, and dismantle all forms of illicit trade that threaten national security, economic stability, and the well-being of our citizens.”

The Customs Area Controller also commended the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and partner security agencies for the professionalism that ensured the operation’s success.

In line with inter-agency collaboration, the TCIPC handed over the seized drugs to officials of the NDLEA. Receiving the items, NDLEA Commander, Tincan Island Strategic Command, Daniel Onyishi, praised the seamless cooperation between the agencies, saying: “Because of the synergy we are working with, all of us combined, will make sure that no illicit drug passes through this port.”

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The Public Relations Officer of the command, Isah Sulaiman, who confirmed the development through a statement issued on Monday, said the animals were intercepted on Sunday.
According to Sulaiman, the interception demonstrates the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s biodiversity and upholding Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
“Operatives of the Command, on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at about 02:19 hrs, intercepted a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA during a stop-and-search operation at Gbaji, along the Badagry–Seme Expressway. Upon inspection, the operatives discovered one cub and two patas monkeys being transported in the vehicle in clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws,” Sulaiman explained.
According to the service image-maker, two suspects, Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese, and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian, claimed ownership of the animals and confessed that they had purchased them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to the Benin Republic.
“In line with Nigeria’s status as a signatory to CITES and consistent with global standards for wildlife protection, the endangered species were immediately confiscated and brought to the command for documentation, while the two male suspects were detained for further investigation to ascertain the level of their involvement in wildlife trafficking,” he said.
Sulaiman , who stated that for proper care, safety, and expert handling, the animals were formally handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative, also highlighted that the handover was carried out by the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Wale Adenuga.

Represented at the handing over by a Deputy Comptroller in charge of administration at the command, A.Y. Mohammed, the CAC reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to enforcing all laws relating to wildlife protection, environmental conservation, and border security.

Adenuga reiterated the command’s resolve to continue working with relevant agencies to decisively curtail illegal trade in endangered species.

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Anani, who made this disclosure to newsmen on Tuesday at the port in Lagos, said the interception followed a report from the PTML terminal operator, who discovered suspicious packages in one of the 39 empty containers meant for export loading.

According to Ani, the 20ft container with serial number GCNU1332851, brought in from Freetown, Sierra Leone, was flagged during a routine disinfection exercise.

“The terminal operator alerted the command immediately, and a joint examination was conducted alongside officers of the NDLEA, Department of State Services (DSS), Police Anti-Bomb Squad, and other agencies,” Anani said, just as he also disclosed that that 50 packages containing 20 parcels each were uncovered during the inspection. Rapid tests confirmed the contents as cocaine, weighing a total of 1,000 kilograms (one tonne), with a duty paid value (DPV) of ₦29,403,738,000.

“It is important to note that this container did not arrive in Nigeria as an import consignment. It was part of a batch of empty containers brought in by the terminal operator for export purposes,” he said just as he also described the incident as one of the most “mysterious cocaine interceptions” in the Service’s history, highlighting that no arrest had been made since the container had no consignee linked to it.”

The Customs chief praised the PTML terminal operator for promptly reporting the anomaly and commended the collaboration between security agencies in handling the operation.

“This seizure underscores the high level of cooperation and vigilance among our officers, terminal operators, and sister security agencies,” he said.
Ani also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s ports and ensuring that PTML remains a “no-go area” for prohibited imports and exports.

“On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we will be handing over the seizure to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and necessary action,” he said.

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raked in N247 billion from January 2025 to October 2025, surpassing its annual target with over N31 billion.

According to Atuluku, in October 2025 alone, the command collected N33 billion revenue.

The command Comptroller, who made this disclosure during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, said with a 2025 annual revenue target of N216 billion and a monthly average target of N18.07 billion, the Command has surpassed its annual target by over N31 billion.

“Equally impressive is the Command’s cumulative revenue for the period of January to October 2025, which stands at N247.461billion compared to N164.080 billion collected within the same period in 2024,” Atuluku said.

She said the October collection represented 272 per cent increase over the N9.079 billion the command raked in the corresponding period of 2024.

Atuluku attributed to dedication, reform, and collaboration as the command has continued to promote legitimate trade, blocked revenue leakages, and contribute significantly to national development.

According to her, the feat was as a result of the collective commitment and improved efficiency of the command’s operational services.

“For the month of October 2025, the Port Harcourt Area I Command collected a significant total revenue of 33.753 Billion Naira, as against 9.079 Billion Naira collected in the corresponding month of October 2024.

“This is the highest revenue collection in the history of the Command, and represents an extraordinary increase of about 272 percent, a record that stands as a testament to our collective commitment and the improved efficiency of our operational processes,” she said.
Atuluku said the 10-month revenue translates to a commendable growth of about 51 percent, demonstrating the Command’s steady and consistent revenue performance.

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The Tin Can Island Port Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC OE Ivara made this disclosure through a statement issued on Friday.

Iyara said in the state that while addressing members of the press, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, highlighted the seizures as a testament to the Command’s resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and ensure compliance with international trade regulations.

According to the Area Controller, the first container, with number HLXU8500072 and Bill of Lading Number HLCUTOR2506000834, originating from Montreal, Canada, was intercepted on 4 September 2025 through intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts.

Upon physical examination, jointly conducted with other relevant agencies, the container was found to contain four vehicles with concealed quantities of 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.

READ ALSO: NDLEA Foils Drug Smuggling Attempts to US, UK in Frozen Snails, Electrical Bulbs

The second container, according Onyeka, numbered FANU 312876/9, was intercepted on 24 October 2025, following actionable intelligence provided by the Customs Area Controller.
The container, also carrying four vehicles, was found to conceal 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight packages of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing eight kilograms.

According to the statement, the total street value of the illicit drugs seized from both operations was estimated at ₦5.304 billion.
In line with established inter-agency collaboration protocols, the seized narcotic substances have been formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, prosecution, and other necessary legal actions.

The Area Controller commended the NDLEA and other partner security agencies—including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, and other stakeholders—for their continued collaboration in combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

Onyeka also issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in illicit drug smuggling, noting that such acts undermine the nation’s economy and pose grave risks to national security and public health.
“Let it be known that Tin Can Island Port Command, under my watch, remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in enforcing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory”, the Controller stated.

He further urged legitimate importers and exporters to adhere strictly to trade regulations and ensure accurate declarations in all documentation.
The Controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their continuous support, as well as to the media for their sustained role in public sensitisation on compliance and patriotism.

He also commended the gallant officers and men of Tin Can Island Port Command for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to leveraging intelligence, technology, and inter-agency cooperation to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and bring offenders to justice.

The Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tincan Strategic Command, Commander Daniel Onyishi, while eceiving the seized items commended the NCS for its vigilance and commitment in intercepting the illicit drugs.

Onyishi aded that the handover reflects the strong spirit of collaboration between both agencies in safeguarding the nation against the menace of drug trafficking.

Commander Onyishi emphasised that the NDLEA remains resolute in carrying out its mandate to ensure that all seized substances are thoroughly investigated and disposed of in accordance with established legal procedures.
He further reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to strengthen existing partnerships with the NCS and other security agencies in the collective pursuit of a drug-free Nigeria.

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Comptroller of Customs, Mahmoud Ibrahim,who confirmed the development this during his maiden press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, said the seizures were made through joint operations with Operation Whirlwind, a special task force of the Service.

“Operation Whirlwind intercepted 14,750 litres of PMS valued at ₦8.85 million, while officers of the Kebbi Command seized another 20,975 litres worth ₦12.58 million in various flashpoints, including Bagudo, Tsamiya, Kamba, Lolo, Bunza, and Zuru/Mahakala.

“These interceptions underscore our unwavering commitment to safeguard national resources and protect the economy from sabotage. Fuel smuggling deprives the nation of vital revenue and poses serious safety risks,” Ibrahim said.

While praising the efforts of field officers, the Customs Intelligence Unit, and partner security agencies for their “resilience, synergy, and professionalism,” the state comptroller disclosed that the confiscated PMS would be auctioned in line with extant laws, with proceeds remitted to the federal treasury.

Ibrahim, who also revealed that the Command generated ₦25.6 million in September, representing a 36.13% increase compared to August, attributed the improvement to enhanced stakeholder engagement, improved border management, and collaboration with Niger Republic through the Kamba border axis.

“In the last month, the Command also seized 100 bales of second-hand clothing, 444 laptop-sized wraps of Cannabis Sativa, and 143 mini sacks of donkey meat.

“We also seized 140 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 100 bags of parboiled rice and 20 jerrycans of vegetable oil, all valued at ₦109,595,761.

“In line with inter-agency cooperation, the Command will officially hand over 143 pieces of donkey meat to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) and 444 wraps of Cannabis Sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” he said.

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