The Nigeria Customs Service, Area II Command, Onne Port, Rivers State, has announced the interception of 20 containers loaded with illicit drugs valued at over N10 billion. Additionally, the Command recorded a revenue generation of N190.57 billion in the first quarter of 2025—an increase of 17.12% compared to the same period in 2024.
These revelations were made on Wednesday during a press briefing by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, at the Command’s headquarters in Onne, Port Harcourt.
Comptroller Babandede emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service plays a vital role in national security and economic development by enforcing compliance with customs laws and government policies on international trade, as well as collecting import duties and levies for the government.
He decried the importation of prohibited and illicit drugs into the country, describing it as a criminal act with dire consequences for public health and national security. “Importing illicit drugs and other prohibited wares into the country can have serious consequences for both the public and society. Such acts are punishable under extant laws with imprisonment, fines, or both,” he stated.
The breakdown of the seized items between January and March 2025 includes:
1. 1 x 40ft Container TLLU6901759: 158,400 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml) and 11,690 pieces of Chilly Cutter
2. 1 x 40ft Container MRKU2117319: 158,400 bottles of Barcadin with Codeine Syrup (100ml) and 240 pieces of Local Sanitary Wares
3. 2 x 40ft Containers MRKU4875853 & TCNU2623453: 271,000 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml), 85,000 bottles of CSMIX with Codeine (100ml), 1,200 pieces of C*ck, 94 cartons of sanitary wares, and 21 cartons of TBS rubber
4 x 20ft Containers: 64,416 tins of Soupy Tomato Paste (400mg), 16,104 tins of Soupy Tomato Paste (200mg)
5. 1 x 40ft Container MEDU7751984: 280 bales of used clothes and 2 cartons of toys
6. 6 x 20ft Containers: 6,300 jerry cans (25L each) of Delicieux Cooking Oil
7. 2 x 20ft Containers: 2,100 jerry cans (25L each) of Super Gold Vegetable Cooking Oil
8. 1 x 40ft Container TCKU7701615: 980,000 tablets of Tamol-X, 4,830,000 capsules of Pregabalin (300mg), and 288 cartons of WC
9. 1 x 40ft Container MSMU5925355: 320 bales of used clothes
10. 1 x 40ft Container TCKU6160305: 360 bales of used clothing, 2 bags and 1 box of personal effects
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods amounts to N10,293,677,040.00.
On revenue generation, the Command recorded N190,569,212,397.42 in Q1 2025, compared to N162,705,313,561.48 in Q1 2024—showing a difference of N27,864,668,442.61 and a 17.12% increase.
For exports, the Command processed 1,274,695 metric tons of goods, mainly agricultural products and solid minerals, valued at N2,345,268,122.00.
Regarding trade facilitation, Babandede said the Service’s modernization project, including the B’odogwu Unified Information Management System, has improved container release efficiency and stakeholder engagement.
He also disclosed the handing over of a 1 x 20ft container containing donkey skin, meant for export, to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service for appropriate action.
Comptroller Babandede expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team for creating an enabling environment for success. He also appreciated his officers and compliant stakeholders for their dedication and support, urging continued collaboration in achieving the Service’s mandates.
