In a significant stride against drug trafficking, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has intercepted a massive consignment of tramadol valued at over N8.6 billion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The seizure, made on Saturday, April 5, 2025, was unveiled during a press briefing held on Monday, April 7, at the airport’s Cargo Terminal. The Customs Area Controller of the FCT Command, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, led the inspection of the seized items.

While addressing journalists, Comptroller Adebisi condemned the activities of individuals who continue to traffic illicit drugs into the country under the pretense of legitimate trade.

“It is deeply troubling that some unpatriotic elements are determined to flood our communities with dangerous drugs simply for profit—even at the cost of lives,” he said.

“These types of drugs often end up in the hands of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, Boko Haram fighters, and other criminal elements threatening the peace of our nation,” he added.

Adebisi disclosed that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted tramadol stood at N8,654,800,000. He reaffirmed the Command's commitment to intensifying its crackdown on smuggling activities within and beyond the FCT.

He also praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his ongoing support, which has enabled the Command to strengthen its enforcement operations.

“In line with the strong institutional synergy championed by the Comptroller-General, we have secured approval to transfer the seized items to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” Adebisi announced.

The illicit cargo was formally handed over to the NDLEA Commandant at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, CN Muhammad Jidda, in the presence of representatives from sister security agencies.

Receiving the consignment, Commandant Jidda applauded the Customs Service for its vigilance and seamless inter-agency cooperation.

“What we are witnessing today is a model example of inter-agency collaboration,” he said. “We commend the Nigeria Customs Service for their alertness and their refusal to allow Nigeria to become a dumping ground for psychotropic substances. The tramadol you see here would have caused incalculable harm to communities had it reached the streets.”

Jidda assured that the NDLEA would launch a thorough investigation to trace the origin and destination of the consignment while reaffirming the agency’s commitment to prosecuting those involved in accordance with the law.

This latest operation marks another milestone in the ongoing partnership between the NCS and NDLEA as Nigeria ramps up efforts to combat drug trafficking and its links to national insecurity.