Major Cocaine Bust at Apapa Port: Nigeria Customs and NDLEA Kick Off 2026 with a Strong Win Against Drug Trafficking.

 In a powerful start to the new year, officers from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Command teamed up with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to pull off an impressive drug seizure at one of the country's busiest harbors. On the very first working day of 2026 – Friday, January 2 – they stopped a ship carrying a hidden stash of cocaine right at the heart of Lagos' Apapa Port.

This latest operation highlights just how determined Nigerian authorities are in the ongoing battle against drug smuggling. The vessel in question, named MV Aruna and registered under the flag of the Marshall Islands, was carefully watched and searched based on solid tips and joint planning between the two agencies. Hidden cleverly onboard were 30 slabs of cocaine totaling a whopping 30.1 kilograms. These drugs were stashed in ways that show how clever and sneaky international drug traffickers are getting, trying to slip dangerous substances through Nigeria's main gateway for imports and exports.

Apapa Port isn't just any harbor – it's the lifeline for much of Nigeria's trade, handling massive amounts of goods every day. That's why it's a prime target for criminals looking to move illicit drugs into or through the country. But thanks to the sharp eyes and teamwork of customs officers and NDLEA agents, this attempt was thwarted at the Greenview Terminal.

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, who leads the Apapa Command, didn't hold back in praising his team and their partners. He called the officers "vigilant and professional," stressing how this success comes from real cooperation between government agencies. "We're always staying ahead of these criminals," he said, pointing out that no matter how well they hide their cargo – whether in imports, exports, or even transit shipments – the team is committed to stopping them.

Oshoba went on to describe this cocaine seizure in Nigeria as a clear message for 2026: the Apapa Command has zero tolerance for illegal trade. It's not just about catching drugs; it's about protecting the nation from the harm they cause, from fueling crime to destroying lives in communities across the country. At the same time, he reassured legitimate businesses that the port will keep running smoothly for honest trade.

Following standard rules, the seized cocaine was quickly handed over to the NDLEA. They'll handle the deeper probe, tracking down anyone involved and pushing for prosecutions where needed. This kind of handover shows how seamlessly these agencies work together, combining customs' expertise in port checks with NDLEA's focus on narcotics enforcement.

What's really striking is that this isn't an isolated win. It's actually the third big drug bust by this same joint team in just a short time. Just a couple of weeks before, they nabbed another 25.5 kilograms of cocaine tucked away in bags on a different ship – again, thanks to good intelligence. And going back to mid-December 2025, they uncovered a massive haul of over 1,187 kilograms of high-potency cannabis known as "Canadian Loud." That stuff was cleverly packed into thousands of parcels and hidden inside imported cars in a large container.

These repeated successes paint a picture of escalating efforts to clamp down on drug trafficking in Nigeria. Ports like Apapa have long been vulnerable spots because of the huge volume of containers and ships passing through. Criminal networks from around the world see West Africa as a transit point for drugs heading to Europe or even staying local, feeding addiction and violence. But stories like this cocaine bust at Apapa Port show that Nigerian law enforcement is stepping up, using better intelligence, technology, and partnerships to fight back.

Think about the bigger impact here. Cocaine isn't just a powder – it's linked to devastating effects on health, families, and society. Young people getting hooked, communities torn apart by related crime, and billions lost in potential productivity. By stopping shipments like this 30.1kg load, these officers are literally saving lives and keeping streets safer. It's a reminder that behind the headlines are real people – dedicated public servants working long hours in tough conditions to protect the rest of us.

For anyone following Nigeria news, especially around drug trafficking or port security, this event underscores a positive trend. The NCS and NDLEA collaboration is yielding results, making it harder for smugglers to operate. As Oshoba put it, while criminals keep trying new tricks, the authorities are committed to being "one step ahead."

Looking ahead, 2026 could see even more of these operations as agencies build on their momentum. With Apapa Port handling so much of the nation's economy, balancing tight security with efficient trade is key. But wins like this prove it's possible – cracking down on illicit drugs without slowing down legitimate business.

In the end, this New Year seizure is more than stats on paper. It's a story of vigilance paying off, of inter-agency trust delivering results, and of Nigeria saying a firm "no" to those who would use its shores for harm. As investigations continue, we can hope it leads to dismantling more of these networks, making the country a tougher place for drug lords to do business.

This kind of enforcement boosts public confidence too. Nigerians often hear about challenges with corruption or inefficiencies, but operations like the Apapa cocaine interception show the good side – professionals doing their jobs well and making a differences.