By Peace Udugba
Operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have arrested a 71-year-old man in connection with the trafficking of cocaine and methamphetamine valued at approximately ₦2.35 billion along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
The unit also intercepted large quantities of illicit drugs and contraband goods, including 3,340 parcels of a potent synthetic cannabis strain known as “Ghanaian Loud,” weighing about 1,540kg, as well as multiple trailer loads of smuggled rice and other prohibited items.
Controller of the FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, disclosed this on Tuesday in Ikeja during a briefing where the seized items were presented to journalists.
He said the operations formed part of intensified enforcement activities aimed at curbing smuggling, protecting national revenue, and strengthening border security across the South-West.
Major Drug Bust and Arrest
According to Aliyu, the most notable arrest occurred at Gbaji Outpost following credible intelligence. Officers intercepted a green Toyota Highlander driven by a 71-year-old Nigerian suspect, identified as Mr. Oni Iredia Martins, along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor at Elijah Bus Stop.
A thorough search of the vehicle reportedly led to the discovery of six parcels of narcotics—comprising two parcels of cocaine weighing about 2.3kg and four parcels of methamphetamine weighing approximately 4.1kg. The total weight of the seized drugs was 6.4kg, with an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion.
He added that the suspect and the seized substances have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
“Operation Hawk” Targets Drug Networks
Aliyu revealed that the unit recently launched a special anti-smuggling initiative codenamed “Operation Hawk,” designed to disrupt narcotics trafficking networks and other illicit trade routes.
He noted that intelligence-led operations had become central to the unit’s strategy, supported by enhanced surveillance, inter-agency cooperation, and improved data analysis.
“In addition to modern intelligence tools, we have strengthened human intelligence and open-source intelligence operations, which are yielding measurable results,” he said.
Massive Seizures Across South-West
Within an eight-week period, the FOU Zone ‘A’ reportedly intercepted 473 smuggling attempts across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo States.
Other seized items include:
8,794 bags of foreign rice (50kg each), equivalent to about 15 trailer loads
22 used vehicles
1,863 used refrigerator compressors
328 bales of used clothing
1,188 kegs of vegetable oil
31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
485 used tyres
69 cartons of foreign spaghetti
24 bags of foreign sugar
Five cartons of St. Louis products
531 cartons of frozen poultry products
Cannabis, Mercury and Other Contraband
Aliyu also confirmed the interception of 3,340 parcels of cannabis indica, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” weighing 1,540kg. The drugs were seized as part of coordinated operations against narcotics trafficking.
In another operation, officers intercepted four cylinders of high-grade mercury concealed in a Toyota Avensis.
The substance, classified as a controlled chemical under international environmental standards, was linked to a suspect who has since been granted administrative bail pending further investigation. The chemical will be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
Revenue Recovery and Enforcement Gains
The Customs chief further disclosed that the unit recorded a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of about ₦5.5 billion from seizures during the period under review.
Additionally, ₦97.7 million was recovered through demand notices issued on under-declared imports.
He reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to leveraging technology such as drone surveillance, geospatial intelligence, and real-time tracking systems to enhance border monitoring and enforcement efficiency.
Strategic Relocation Planned
Aliyu also announced plans for the phased relocation of the unit’s headquarters to its newly commissioned facility in Iperu, Ogun State. He described the move as strategic, aimed at improving operational coordination and inter-agency collaboration.
He reiterated that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to intensify its crackdown on smuggling while facilitating legitimate trade and safeguarding the country’s economic stability.
