Maritime

Rice Smuggling Still Increasing In Creeks – RMIDN

Published

10 months ago

April 21, 2025

Local rice merchants, under the aegis of Rice Millers, Importers and Distributors of Nigeria (RMIDN) have expressed displeasure over the upsurge in the smuggling of rice into the country through neighbouring Cotonou, Benin Republic.
According to RMIDN, Nigeria has lost an estimated N60 billion as a result of rice smuggling.
“Mostly Indian and Thailand rice that are imported into Cotonou find their way into Nigeria illegally with Western Creeks serving as gateway to the highest degree of these illicit imports”, RMIDN said.
Speaking exclusively with The Tide in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Bayuf Farm limited, Chief Kabiru Idowu, noted the large scale concealment in trucks purportedly laden with dutiable goods to the fleet of vehicles under the cover of darkness, saying “Western Marine Creeks, is indeed a place to watch, if the economy of the nation must be protected”.
According to him, “the volume of imports for which revenue is lost on the part of the government may far outweigh the generated revenue and create an adverse affect on government policy to encourage local production of some products.
“It would also be recalled that in December, 2024, the Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Compt. Kola Oladeji, disclosed to journalists at a briefing in the Command that smuggling of rice through the Western Creeks is on the increase, thereby placing a question mark on the proficiency of the Marine Command of the Customs.
According to him, the areas of water which flows into the land accounts for a higher degree of rice smuggling, adding that there is inlet through water behind Alaba market where smugglers are coming, with various items but with rice topping the lists.
Also, Mr. Tapenu Michael noted that importers of Nigeria bound goods through the Cotonou Port see the western waterways as most viable entry point either for evasion or concealment of prohibited items.
He emphasized that most items that fall under Federal Government import prohibition list or statutory barred from entering the country through land borders find their ways through the creeks.

Maritime

Maritime PCRC Seeks Intelligence Sharing With Western Ports Police

Published

3 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Maritime Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has called for stronger intelligence sharing and collaboration with the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command to enhance security across Nigeria’s Western ports.

The called was made during the official visit by members, Maritime PCRC to Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, at the Command Headquarters in Lagos.

The visit was aimed at deepening the partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and port stakeholders through the PCRC, while reinforcing community-based policing as a strategy for safeguarding critical national assets and port facilities.

Speaking during the visit Chairman, Maritime PCRC, Elder Udoh George, commended the Commissioner of Police Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja for her proactive leadership and professionalism in maintaining security within the port environment. He noted that intelligence-driven policing remains critical to crime prevention in the maritime sector, stressing that the Committee is ready to support the Command through timely information sharing and stakeholder engagement.

According to him, the PCRC will continue to work closely with the police in crime prevention, intelligence gathering and community mobilisation, in order to promote peace and operational efficiency at the ports.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police Agbaminoja appreciated the visit and described the PCRC as a vital bridge between the police and the port community.

She said effective policing thrives on trust, cooperation and the active participation of stakeholders.

Oluwatoyin assured the Committee of the Command’s readiness to sustain collaboration, noting that consistent engagement with port users and adjoining communities is key to maintaining security, orderliness and uninterrupted port operations.

By: CHINEDU WOSU

Maritime

Customs Hands Over Seized Cannabis Worths N4.7bn To NDLEA

Published

3 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Customs Command in Tincan Island, Lagos, has handed over 2,366 packs of cannabis indica, valued at over N4.7 billion, to the NDLEA.

The seizure comprised of a 40-feet container holding 55 jumbo bags of cannabis indica intercepted during routine enforcement operations at the port.

Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed this in a Statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson Oscar Ivara.and copied Newsmen

Speaking during the handover, Onyeka said officers acted in line with global standards on border protection and public safety.

“Today, we inform you of developments in securing our borders, aligning with the 2026 International Customs Day theme of vigilance and commitment,” he said.

Onyeka said the container was examined on Jan. 28, 2026 alongside NDLEA and DSS operatives, following intelligence-led profiling.

“A 40-feet container was found to contain 2,366 packs in 55 jumbo bags of cannabis indica,” he said.

He added that officers also discovered a Colt MK IV .45 calibre pistol with an empty magazine inside the container.

According to him, three used vehicles were deployed to conceal the prohibited items, including a Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Sienna and Toyota Matrix.

“Interestingly, we apprehended one suspect in connection with the seizure,” Onyeka said.

He warned that Customs would not tolerate drug smuggling or transnational crime threatening national security and public health.

Receiving the consignment, NDLEA Commander, Solomon Omotoso, commended Customs for strong inter-agency collaboration.

Omotoso assured that the NDLEA would intensify investigations and prosecution in line with existing laws.

By: CHINEDU WOSU

Maritime

Customs Hands Over Three 21 Ft Containers of Expired Drugs To NAFDAC

Published

3 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island command, has handed over Three Containers of expired drugs drugs to NAFDAC.

Customs Area Controller at Tincan Island, Comptroller Frank Onyeka disclosed this during the formal handover in Lagos

According to him,”Today marks the formal handover of three 20ft containers of expired pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC for appropriate regulatory action,”

Onyeka explained that two containers, numbered PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets.

He said detailed examination revealed that one container held 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the second contained 250 cartons of the same expired product.

The third container, MSKU413519/1, contained 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets without a valid NAFDAC registration number.

“This consignment is illegal and dangerous for public consumption,” Onyeka warned, stressing the public health risk posed by such drugs.

Beyond seizures, Onyeka said Tincan Island Customs had improved cargo examinations, intelligence gathering, and enforcement operations to intercept prohibited and falsely declared goods.

“The Command proactively intercepts controlled pharmaceuticals, arms, ammunition, narcotics, and items threatening public safety and economic stability,”

Onyeka reaffirmed the command’s commitment to public health and national security, pledging a tougher crackdown on illicit drugs across the nation.

On his achievements, he said the Command enforced the anti-smuggling drive, safeguarding public health and national security.

He explained that enforcement is strengthened while facilitating legitimate trade, contributing significantly to revenue generation, in line with Customs’ core mandate.

“These achievements result from discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration,” he added, highlighting the strategies behind successful operations.

Onyeka commended NAFDAC for its cooperation, noting that their synergy helps prevent fake, substandard, and expired drugs from reaching the public.

He assured that collaboration with NAFDAC would continue to intercept dangerous pharmaceuticals before they enter the Nigerian market.

Onyeka lauded the officers for their dedication, describing their efforts as key to the command’s credibility and operational effectiveness.

He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for leadership and reforms empowering customs operations nationwide.

“Our command will not relent in combating illicit trade and enforcing compliance with existing laws,” Onyeka said.

He promised continued collaboration with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property across Nigeria.

Receiving the drugs, NAFDAC Chief Regulatory Officer, Kareem Adekunle, said the expired products would be destroyed by burning.

Adekunle commended Customs for their exemplary collaboration and pledged continued partnership to protect Nigerians’ health.

By: CHINEDU WOSU