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| Foreign Cheques seized, alongside other illicit drugs on display |
By Stella Okocha
Harboursandportcom:Lagos-Nigeria: November 27, 2025: The Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service NCS, Ikeja, has dsplayed the interception of 523 pieces of signed Deutsche Bank, Germany, AIB Bank and Ireland cheques that were on the verge of being exported out of the country.
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| Compt Awe addressing the press |
Speaking during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday 26th of November, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Compt. Michael Awe told the press that no suspect was arrested in connection with the seized cheques, highlighting that they were duly signed and concealed for export before they were intercepted.
The 523 bank cheques were concealed in different undergraduate project books of the University of Port Harcourt and the Enugu State University.
“Credible intelligence coupled with committed and thorough examination of cargoes led us to the discovery of most of the seized items”, Awe said.
The CAC also seized the opportunity to present his scorecard for the period of January to November 2025 and also to reveal the extent of his Command’s performance.
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| Some of seized drug items on display at the press conference |
According to Awe, “In line with the Service’s commitment to safeguarding our national borders and protecting the economy, the Command intensified its anti-smuggling operations within the period under review. During this period, we successfully intercepted and seized the following prohibited items:
1. 3pkgs of Colorado CAT Leaf
2. 4pkgs of Nigeria Immigration Service uniform materials
3. 1pkg Two-way Radio Walkie Talkie
4. 1pkg of TIPPMANN Semi-Automatic 50/68 Calibre Magfed Paintball marker gun
5. 75pkgs of Pangolin Scales
6. 1pkg of Elephant Tusk
7. 2pkgs of Canadian Cannabis Sativa
8. 6pkgs of 225mg Tramadol Hydrochloride
9. 17pkgs of unregistered 300mg Pregabalin tablets
10. 5pkgs of unregistered 2mg Sardulud and 50mg Norflex tablets
11. 6pkgs of 225mg Tramadol Hydrochloride.
12. 523pcs of signed Deutsch Bank and AIB Bank Cheques”.
“The total Duty Paid Value of these seizures is Seven Billion, Two Hundred and One Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty Two Naira (₦7,201,895,232.00) only
“The Command remains firmly committed to its zero-tolerance stance on smuggling and will continue to enforce all applicable trade laws with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.”
He also attributed the success of the seizures to intensified surveillance, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with partner agencies; he also noted that about 20 officers of the Command have been issued with letters of commendation for diligence and commitment to duty, stating that the morale of the officers at the Command is very high.
Comptroller Awe while responding to the questions from journalists stated that “some of the suspects have been prosecuted, some on administrative bail, some are still under investigation while some have actually absconded”
He advised those engaging in this illicit trade to stop and engage in legitimate means of livelihood, because the long arms of the law will always catch up with them if they do not change.
CAC Awe also explained that the drugs were supposed to be handed over to the officers of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), but the officers were very much engaged with other official matters.
The MMAC boss also stated that In the period under review, the Command generated a total of One Hundred and Seventy Nine Billion, Nine Hundred and Ten Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy One Thousand, One Hundred and Two Naira, Eighty One kobo (₦179,910,971,102.81k) only from customs duties and related charges.
"The revenue generated shows a significant improvement over the One Hundred and Sixty Four Billion, Eight Hundred and Nineteen Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand Four Hundred and Fifty Seven Naira that was generated in the corresponding period in 2024. This reflects an outstanding 9.16% increase, amounting to Fifteen Billion. Ninety One Million, Seventy Five Thousand, Six hundred and forty Five Naira, Eighty One kobo (₦15,091075,640.81k) only growth".
Compt. Awe also announced that the Command had achieved 100.1% of its annual revenue target, noting that the performance was driven by improved trader compliance, real-time monitoring of transactions, and prompt detection of irregularities.
“I am pleased to announce that the Command has achieved 100.1% of its annual revenue target and is on track to exceed it. This performance reflects our commitment to efficiency, transparency, and accountability.”
He also commended compliant traders and clearing agents for their cooperation and adherence to regulatory procedures; acknowledged the critical role played by stakeholders and sister agencies in the Command’s success.
“Throughout the period under review, we sustained open communication and cooperation with all stakeholders and sister agencies. These engagements helped us resolve challenges amicably, harmonise procedures, and deepen institutional trust.”
Compt. Awe reaffirms the Command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining consistent enforcement against all forms of violations.
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