Customs Hails Major Drug Seizures at Apapa as Zonal Chief Visits Command

By Zainab Uzomah

Significant seizures of narcotics and other illicit substances at the Apapa Area Command have drawn commendation from the Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, who described the interceptions as vital contributions to Nigeria’s national security and public health.

According to the statement signed by Isah Sulaiman, Customs Public Relations Officer for the Apapa Command, ACG Babandede made the remarks during a familiarisation visit to the Command on 5 February 2026. The Zonal Coordinator said the recent seizures of cocaine, tramadol and other prohibited items underscored the Command’s strengthened enforcement capacity and its role in curbing transnational crime.

During his address to officers, ACG Babandede praised the Command’s exceptional performance throughout 2025, particularly its revenue achievements where it surpassed annual targets. He said the purpose of his visit was to assess operational challenges, acknowledge the Command’s efforts and boost the morale of personnel who have consistently exceeded expectations.

The Zonal Coordinator stressed that the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate goes beyond revenue generation, noting that national security, public safety and trade facilitation remain central responsibilities. He commended the Command’s strong inter-agency collaboration and urged officers to deepen partnerships with sister agencies while promoting trade facilitation tools that continue to enhance the Service’s operational standards.

He further emphasised the need for integrity, mentorship and capacity building within the Service, urging senior officers to train and guide their younger colleagues. Babandede also highlighted the importance of officers’ welfare, revealing that routine drug tests would be conducted across Commands as part of efforts to maintain a healthy and effective workforce.

In his response, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as both timely and inspiring. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining excellence in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation and inter-agency cooperation, all in strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs.