Monday, March, 9 2026 - The Nigeria Customs Service has seized 248,500 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (250mg), a controlled substance valued at N273.35m, in Yobe State.
The Controller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone D,
Bauchi, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday.
Ka’ila explained that the seizure followed meticulous
intelligence gathering, collaboration with other security agencies, and
proactive surveillance.
According to him, the unit received credible intelligence
indicating the possible movement of a large consignment of tramadol through
covert routes in Gumsi Village, Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
“Following the intelligence, a covert operation was
meticulously planned involving surveillance teams. During the operation,
officers recovered 248,500 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (250mg), a
powerful controlled substance with an approximate street value of
N273,350,000,” he said.
He added that the operation disrupted a major syndicate
involved in illicit tramadol trafficking, which is believed to have links
extending beyond Nigeria into neighbouring countries and international markets.
Ka’ila noted that the suspect fled into the bush upon
sighting Customs patrol vehicles.
He said the seizure would directly impact efforts to curb
drug abuse, particularly among vulnerable groups such as youths and students,
by reducing the availability of illicit tramadol in the market.
“By intercepting these consignments, the Nigeria Customs
Service enhances national security, reduces funding available to organised
crime syndicates, and demonstrates the capacity to combat transnational illegal
activities,” he stated.
He further noted that the interception would prevent
substantial revenue loss through illegal imports while protecting legitimate
pharmaceutical businesses from unfair competition and counterfeit products.
Ka’ila said the service would continue to strengthen
collaboration with other security agencies, including the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and
Control, while also carrying out sensitisation campaigns to encourage
communities to report suspicious activities.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of
Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their leadership and
support to officers and men of the unit.
Ka’ila added that the seizure represents a significant
milestone in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking and demonstrates the
effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration.
He called on law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and the general public to remain vigilant and support efforts aimed at eradicating drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
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