Customs Seizes N3.3 Billion Worth of Rice, Cannabis, and Hazardous Items in Lagos

• Nigeria Customs intercepted 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 1,431kg of cannabis.
• Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
• Hazardous goods, including used refrigerator compressors, were also confiscated.

The Nigeria Customs Service has made a series of high-value interceptions in Lagos, including thousands of bags of foreign rice, large quantities of cannabis, and other contraband, officials said on Wednesday. The total value of the seizures is estimated at N3.3 billion.

Gambo Aliyu, Customs Area Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (Zone ‘A’), disclosed the operations during a press briefing, noting that eight individuals were apprehended in connection with the haul. Among those arrested was a woman found with the cannabis. Aliyu also reported the loss of one officer during the interception process.

According to the Customs chief, the command recorded 144 different types of contraband within six weeks of assuming full operational control in late December 2025. He attributed the success to revamped patrol strategies, enhanced internal supervision, and targeted deployments across the Lagos metropolis.

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The unit also focused on environmental and wildlife-related seizures. Four live pangolins were rescued along Alapa Creek in Ajilete and handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre. In addition, 581 used refrigerator compressors, which posed environmental hazards due to refrigerant chemicals, were confiscated. These actions were in compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the Basel Convention, which regulates the cross-border movement of hazardous waste.

The intercepted cannabis has been transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution. During the handover, officials from the agency praised the Federal Operations Unit for their efforts.

Beyond seizures, the Customs command has recovered N36.89 million from December 10, 2025, to February 2, 2026, through fines and demand notices issued for cargo misdeclaration and other import-export compliance violations.

Aliyu assured that investigations into all suspects remain ongoing, while reinforcing the command’s commitment to tackling smuggling, protecting the environment, and safeguarding public health in Lagos.