The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Friday made a significant seizure of illicit drugs that underscores ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The seized materials, totaling 86.1 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa in various forms, were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a formal ceremony held in Owerri.
This event highlights the increasing cooperation between law enforcement agencies dedicated to protecting national security.
Customs operatives on routine patrol in Zone C intercepted 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativa weighing 77.5 kilograms, alongside 15 wraps of a high-grade cannabis variant weighing 8.6 kilograms.
The substances had been carefully concealed, indicating sophisticated attempts by traffickers to evade detection.
However, timely intelligence and the vigilance of Customs officers led to the successful interception.
Comptroller Bishir A. Balogun, who heads the Federal Operations Unit Zone C, emphasized the professionalism and dedication of Customs personnel at the handover event.
He attributed the success of this operation to credible intelligence and the unwavering commitment of officers working to disrupt illegal drug trade networks operating in the country.
Balogun further explained that while Customs is primarily responsible for revenue collection and facilitating legitimate trade, it also plays an essential role in national security by preventing prohibited goods from entering or circulating within Nigeria.
“This handover reflects the strong spirit of collaboration between law-enforcement agencies,” he said, reaffirming Customs’ partnership with the NDLEA.
The Comptroller acknowledged the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi in supporting this division’s anti-smuggling initiatives.
He also praised his officers for their courage and resilience, often overcoming operational risks to carry out critical interdiction duties.
In addition to commending Customs officers, Balogun expressed gratitude to the NDLEA and other sister agencies for their cooperation, which he described as vital for reinforcing Nigeria’s collective security framework.
The synergy among these agencies enhances the capacity to respond decisively to illicit drug trafficking.
Urging public participation in Nigeria’s fight against illegal trade, Balogun encouraged citizens to provide valuable information that could assist enforcement efforts.
“Community partnership remains essential in curbing illegal trade,” he stressed, signaling a willingness to engage the public more actively.
At the ceremony, NDLEA officials formally took custody of the seized cannabis and confirmed that investigations would proceed promptly according to established legal procedures.
Balogun concluded by stressing that the handover marks a crucial step in ensuring that the appropriate agency leads the effort to bring offenders to justice and remove harmful substances from Nigerian communities.