Customs Hits Drug Syndicates Hard With ‘Operation Hawk’

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has intensified enforcement operations across the South-West zone, seizing cocaine, cannabis, and other contraband while foiling 473 smuggling attempts in the past eight weeks.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, the Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, disclosed that the Unit, through its special anti-narcotics initiative Operation Hawk, recorded the interception of 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as ‘Ghanaian Loud’, weighing 1,540 kilograms.

“This effort is an affirmation of our commitment to the fight against drug-smuggling syndicates in the Zone. Our analysis of the trend in recent times indicates that the traffickers are devising different methods to perpetuate illicit trade; therefore, there is a need for critical security stakeholders to upscale their intelligence sharing mechanism to cut the supply chain completely”, Comptroller Aliyu said.

In another operation, Comptroller Aliyu noted that officers of the unit intercepted a Toyota Highlander along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor, leading to the arrest of a 71-year-old suspect, with 6.4 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine valued at about ₦2.35 billion recovered.

Beyond drug seizures, he said the Unit recorded major interceptions of contraband, including 8,794 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 22 used Tokunbo vehicles, 485 pieces of used tyres, and other prohibited goods, with a total Duty Paid Value of over ₦5.5 billion.

He also revealed the interception of four cylinders of high-grade mercury concealed in a vehicle at the Gbaji outpost, noting that the hazardous material would be transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further action.

On revenue recovery, Aliyu said the Unit generated over ₦97.7 million through demand notices issued on improperly declared consignments during the period under review.

Reaffirming the Unit’s resolve, Aliyu said FOU Zone ‘A’ would continue to deploy advanced technology to strengthen border security, while maintaining a balance between enforcement and trade facilitation.

“While we maintain vigilance against smuggling, fraud and criminalities, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation. We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth”, he stated.

The illicit drugs and three suspects were handed over to Commander Mohammed Kabiru of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigations.