By Ranmilowo Ojalumo – The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, on Wednesday, handed over 20 sacks of cannabis indica, weighing 601kg and valued at N157.8 million to the officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, said his officers at the command intercepted the 601kg of cannabis indica during their patrol recently.
While speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Comptroller Ntadi said the cannabis is part of the significant seizures made by the officers at the command in the course of their ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation’s borders, protect the Nigeria economy, and as well uphold the rule of law in the country.
In his words, Comptroller Ntadi said “The Western Marine Command has recorded yet another major operational feat in its sustained efforts toward safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain against illicit activities. In a recent anti-smuggling operation, dedicated officers of the command successfully intercepted and seized 20 sacks of cannabis indica with a total Duty Paid Value of N157,830,000. The 20 sacks contained a total of 1, 205 loaves of cannabis indica suspected to have been unlawfully smuggled into the country through the waterways
Comptroller Ntadi, who has embarked on transformation work at the Western Marine Command, also pointed out that the command recorded 21,414 containers escorted through the waterways between April and December 2025, noting that the containers were moved from the main ports to various bonded terminals.
According to the controller, the command recorded operational success in 2025, a gesture that earned it the Controller General’s Team Excellence Award. Comptroller Ntadi said the operational achievements reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to its statutory responsibilities of revenue protection, border security, and trade facilitation.
He pointed out that the command is enjoying the full backing of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, even as he commended the CGC for his unweaving support and motivation which contributed to the command’s operational success
He noted that 2026 promises to be a better year for the command. According to him, the command will take delivery of seven brand new boats, as an addition to the existing ones to boost operations, stressing that one of the boats will be named after an officer who won the 2025 NCS Best Parade officer to motivate others.
In terms of motivation, Mr Ntadi commended CGC for enhancing its intelligence gathering and improving collaboration with other security agencies, such as the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Marine Police, and the Immigration Service.
The command, according to comptroller Ntadi produced the best enforcement and parade officer in 2025, he reiterated the commitment of the command to doing more in 2026. He said “By this time next year, the outlook of this command would have changed. The CGC is doing a lot to encourage our officers”
In his remark while handing over the intercepted cannabis indica to the NDLEA, the Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Charles Oputa, said the items were intercepted at the waterslide in Lagos, adding that the interception was achieved through the efforts of officers during their routine patrol operations.
He also said no arrest has been made in connection with the seizure.
In his remark, after receiving the seized items, the Assistant Commander of Narcotic, NDLEA, Marine command, Gambo Ali commended the Nigeria Customs Service for their efforts. Although no arrest has been made in connection with seized items, Ali however noted that the agency would commence investigation on the items with available information.
