Lagos, Nigeria – July 4, 2025
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has announced a strategic collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to intensify efforts in combating the growing menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the region.
The partnership was sealed during a high-level meeting between senior officials of both agencies in Lagos, where they reaffirmed their commitment to a unified front in protecting Nigerian communities from the adverse effects of drug abuse and smuggling.
Customs Comptroller in charge of FOU ‘A’, Hussein Ejibunu, emphasized the urgent need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, noting that the rising trend in drug seizures along Nigeria’s borders signals a coordinated and sophisticated criminal network that requires a collective response.
“We have intercepted several concealed narcotic shipments in recent operations, and these arrests underline the importance of deeper synergy with the NDLEA,” Ejibunu stated. “Customs cannot work in isolation; we must strengthen partnerships to dismantle these illicit networks.”
On his part, the NDLEA Lagos State Commander, Mr. Callys Alumona, welcomed the collaboration, stressing that it would lead to more intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and better surveillance capabilities across strategic entry points.
Alumona added that the partnership is a proactive measure to not only intercept illegal drugs but also sensitise the public on the dangers of drug misuse, particularly among the youth.
The agencies jointly pledged to organise public awareness campaigns, conduct cross-training of personnel, and share real-time intelligence to ensure more effective enforcement of Nigeria’s drug laws and border control regulations.
This renewed collaboration comes amid increasing global concerns about drug trafficking and its impact on public health and national security.
