Video: Apapa Customs Command seizes stolen cars from Canada, prohibited medical items
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigeria Customs Service at Apapa Command has intercepted two stolen vehicles from Canada and containers carrying prohibited medical supplies, reinforcing its commitment to cracking down on illegal imports and smuggling activities.
Video link: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16Hpv8mFYH/
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, BO Olomu, disclosed the seizures and highlighted the ongoing investigations.
He stated, “We also intercepted two cars stolen from Canada that was attempted to be smuggled into Nigeria like I mentioned earlier on. In addition to contravening the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, these imported containers with prohibited medical items also violate the World Customs Organization’s Operation Stop IV – which is a global enforcement operation against trafficking of counterfeit, substandard and unauthorized medical supplies.”
However, Olomu confirmed that three suspects linked to the seizures have been arrested and are undergoing interrogation, promising that they will face the full weight of the law.
In a remarkable fiscal achievement, the Apapa Command has surpassed the one trillion-naira revenue collection mark before the end of May.
As of May 21, 2025, the command has generated a total of N1.094 trillion, a figure that underscores its efficiency and dedication.
“This collection confirms our trajectory and laudable antecedent of meeting and surpassing our target. Like we ve done before, we are ready to do better this year
Our chronicle of outstanding revenue collection speaks boldly for us and attests to our capacity to do more,” said Olomu.
He thereby cited record-breaking daily collections, including N18.2 billion in October 2024, N18.9 billion on March 14, 2025, and a recent N18.919 billion on May 20, 2025.
Closing the briefing, Olomu issued a stern warning to criminals saying, “Apapa Port will remain a no-go area for any unlawful activity and our officers are very much ready to uncover concealments and effect seizures or arrest where necessary.”
In his remark, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Assistant Controller General and Commander of Apapa Strategic Command, Buba O Wakawa, commended the strong collaboration between NDLEA and Nigerian Customs in combating criminal activities at the ports.
Wakawa said, “We are here receiving containers from the customs. That is another manifestation of the synergy that exists between the sister secret agencies together will make the port very unconditional for any criminal activities.”
He underscored that the partnership between NDLEA and Customs is crucial in making Nigerian ports secure and impenetrable to criminal enterprises, stressing, “These two containers that we see is a product of international collaboration. What happened was that these criminals have devised different ways to try to avoid protection and international collaboration, we have come to prove to them that it is impossible for them to penetrate their purpose between Nigeria stop the manufacture of coding.”
Wakawa further emphasised the importance of international cooperation and intelligence sharing in thwarting attempts by criminals to smuggle illicit substances into Nigeria.
The seized containers, he noted, are evidence of the ongoing efforts to disrupt sophisticated smuggling networks that exploit foreign companies and neighboring countries to evade detection.
Lagos Commissioner of Police praised the Apapa Customs and the NDLEA for the accomplishments.
The Commissioner emphasised the importance of their collaborative efforts in combating crime.
In his remarks, the Commissioner stated, “It’s a good thing that you gather here today for the achievements recorded by the Customs Service and the NDLEA. We as the police give more with whatever thing they do, and it’s going to be a message to the outside world that’s a no courier for criminal activities.”
He further expressed his appreciation by saying, “Once again, kudos to the Customs Service.”
The Nigeria Customs Service at Apapa continues to strengthen border security and revenue mobilization efforts, contributing significantly to national economic growth and the fight against illicit trade.
