Nigerian Customs Seizes Drugs, Uniforms and Stops Petrol Discharge

Nigeria’s Customs Service intercepted a large consignment of military camouflage clothing and high‑grade cannabis at the Idiroko border. Acting Customs Area Controller Oladapo Afeni said the haul, valued at about N259 million, included 197 camouflage trousers and shorts, several uniform sets and under‑garments, together with 154 strains of synthetic cannabis and parcels of Colorado cannabis. He warned that unauthorized possession of military uniforms could facilitate criminal impersonation, stating, “The seizure of military uniforms is particularly worrying given the current security situation.”

Later in Lagos, customs officers confronted security personnel at the TinCan Island terminal and halted the discharge of 81,200 metric tonnes of petroleum products from the vessel Mt Ny Maria, which had been loaded at the Dangote refinery. The officers attempted to arrest the ship’s captain, and video footage showed a physical clash. The cargo’s discharge was ordered to stop, and the delay could incur daily demurrage costs of roughly $65,000.

Both incidents underscore heightened customs enforcement against illicit trade and disputes over cargo handling in Nigeria.