Maritime

Customs Declares War Against Narcotics Baron At Idiroko Border

Published

4 months ago

February 23, 2026

The operatives of the Ogun 1 Command , Idiroko Border, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), have declared full scale war on smugglers specializing in narcotics trade through the border routes.

The Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller O.O Afeni, said the operatives of the Command are now targeting illicit traders involved in narcotics, having succeeded in reducing smuggling of rice through the border routes.

Afeni who spoke to members of the League of Maritime Editors (LOME) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Thursday said already rice smugglers are being run out of business.

According to him, the Command has discovered that rice smuggling is abating, adding that more focus is on dealing with those involved in importation of narcotics.

He disclosed that the Command had between December 17 and February 5 handed over 7000 wraps of cannabis sativa and Ghanaian loud to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He said that it appears smugglers now prefer narcotics smuggling in view of the advantage of their sizes and weight as against rice.

But he warned that those circumventing the law would be dealt with, stating that the Command has heightened its intelligence network to deal with any narcotics trader.

Noting that both cannabis and Ghanaian loud are the most abused globally, he disclosed that his Command has started awareness creation to reach out to communities, royal fathers and youths against the use of such drugs.

He also called on the media to join in the efforts to check the abuse of narcotics by youths.

The Controller said intelligence showed that some of the drugs are being smuggled from Ghana to Nigeria, saying that this shows the market is active in the country.

However, he warned that those involved in such trade will regret except they decide to retrace their steps on such trade.

Among the seizures recorded by the Command between 1st January, 2026 to 29 January, 2026, include:

i. 1,042 bags of smuggled rice weighing 50kg each

ii. 3,738 parcels of cannabis sativa

iii. 780 Used tyres,

iv. 2 Unit of Revolver Riffle

v. 198 pieces of Cartridges,

vi. 473 kegs PMS (11,825 liters)

vii. 6 Used vehicles and one means of conveyance

viii. 4 sacks 25kg of Caffeine Ahydrous (This will be subjected examination to ascertained the value)

ix. 72 packs soduku plant extraction Toothpaste- 120g

x. 84 Soduku Vitamin D 108g each

xi. 2 pieces of traditional carvings”.

The Secretary of the League, Mr Felix Kumuyi, had during the courtesy call commended the Controller for his efforts so far in the fight against anti-smuggling in the border routes.

Kumuyi said the efforts of the Command have led to different seizures.

He promised that the League is ready to partner with the Command in publicizing its activities, especially in the anti-smuggling war.

By: Nkpemenyie mcdominic, Lagos

Business

Navy Hands Over Five Suspected Stowaways to NIS

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has handed over five suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

The suspects were discovered aboard a merchant vessel, MT Chinafrie Happiness, in an attempted illegal voyage out of the country.

This was contained in a statement issued by Sub Lieutenant A.O. Ajayi, Naval Assistant to the Commander, NNS Beecroft.

The statement said the Handover is part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration aimed at strengthening maritime security, curbing illegal migration, and enhancing safety within Nigeria’s maritime environment.

According to the statement, the suspects were discovered on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, concealed inside the rudder compartment of the vessel while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The five suspects were safely evacuated by Naval Personnel’s and taken to NNS Beecroft for preliminary investigation, profiling, and documentation before being transferred to immigration authorities for further action.

The statement gave their identity as Segun Samuel Boyewa (31), Kingsley Chukwu (43), Joseph Judge (33), Moses Aletor (24), and Abdullahi Danlami (31).

Preliminary findings indicated that the individuals allegedly boarded the vessel while it was docked at Tin Can Island Port with the intention of stowing away to India without valid travel documentation or authorisation.

The statement also noted that stowaway attempts pose significant risks to human life and maritime safety, as individuals often hide in hazardous compartments of vessels under extreme conditions that could lead to injury or death.

The Naval statement warned that illegal boarding of ships remains a serious maritime security challenge and called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to discourage youths from engaging in such dangerous and unlawful acts.

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of NNS Beecroft to sustained maritime security operations in line with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, aimed at maintaining a professional and effective naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting joint operations for national security.

Chinedu Wosu

Business

Navy Nabs 13 Black Sand Miners In Bayelsa –Impound Two Boats

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy has arrested Thirteen 13 Black Sand miners in Bayelsa state

The Service also impounded two Wooden Boats used for the illegal operations

Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said this in a statement issued to Newsmen in Abuja.

Folorunsho said with the operation, the Navy had recorded another operational success in its efforts to curb illegal exploitation of natural resources

According to Folorunsho the operation was conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, following credible intelligence on the movement of boats suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities.

He said the intelligence revealed the boats were operating within the coastal communities of Brass Local Government Area.

“Acting on the intelligence, Naval personnel intercepted the boats at Lekeson and Liama communities, where large quantities of suspected illegally mined black sand were discovered onboard.

“A total of 13 crew members were arrested in connection with the activity,” he said.

The Naval Director of information said that the successful operation underscored the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and preventing the illegal exploitation of natural resources that undermine economic development and environmental sustainability.

“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against illegal resource extraction and other maritime crimes, while maintaining security and stability within the nation’s waterways,” he said.

Folorunsho also said that the two wooden boats recovered, the black sand and the 13 suspects have subsequently been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Nembe Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

He said this was done in line with the extant procedures and directives of the Bayelsa Government.

The Naval spokesperson reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime resources.

Folorunsho assured that it would also ensure that the nation’s waterways remain safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.

CHINEDU WOSU

Maritime

NCS Holds Free Medical Outreach For 2,000 Daura Residents

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held its 7th Retreat Medical Outreach in Daura, Katsina State,

Customs said the Free medical outreach is aimed at providing free healthcare services to residents of the area.

Speaking during the event, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Ahmad Tijjani-Abe, said the programme would provide general medical consultations, dental care, eye and ear care, as well as minor surgical operations for beneficiaries.

Tijjani-Abe said medical teams deployed for the exercise would also provide free medications to patients attending the outreach.

He added that the service would visit schools within the area to deworm students and distribute health kits and mosquito nets to help prevent malaria among children.

Also Speaking, Dr Ethelbert Ikechukwu, Medical Team Leader of the outreach said the exercise was part of the initiative of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which had been carried out in different parts of the country over the years.

According to him, the programme is designed to support communities where customs personnel operate by offering free medical consultations and medications to residents.

Ikechukwu further explained that patients whose conditions could not be fully managed at the outreach centre would be referred to appropriate medical facilities for further treatment.

Ikechukwu urged members of the public to take advantage of the exercise, noting that the medical teams comprised highly qualified healthcare professionals.

The outreach targets about 2,000 patients across various areas of medical care.