Nigerian authorities have intercepted a massive shipment of cocaine valued at more than $20 million, originating from Sierra Leone. The discovery was made by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) in Lagos, marking one of the largest drug seizures in the command’s history.

The 1,000 kilograms of cocaine were found inside a 20-foot export container that was imported through the port. Security officers, including teams from the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), conducted field tests that confirmed the presence of the illicit drug.

According to Customs Area Controller Joe Anani, this is the first-ever major drug interception at the PTML terminal. He explained that the suspicious packages were discovered on October 7, 2025, when terminal operators were disinfecting 39 empty containers imported solely for export. A joint inspection involving Customs, NDLEA, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police Anti-Bomb Squad, and other agencies later confirmed that the container held 50 packages, each containing 20 parcels of cocaine.

Preliminary findings revealed that the container was loaded as “empty” at its last port of call in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Since it was not meant for import, it arrived in Nigeria without any consignee or documentation. No arrests have been made so far.

Anani praised the vigilance of PTML management, noting that their cooperation played a key role in the discovery. He reaffirmed the command’s determination to keep prohibited items out of the terminal, adding that the cocaine shipment has been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.

The government of Sierra Leone and its police authorities have not commented on the case. The country has recently faced growing scrutiny over its role as a transit point for international drug trafficking. Concerns have also been raised about Sierra Leone’s political leadership, as reports suggest links between members of the ruling family and notorious European drug traffickers.

Analysts warn that the issue could create regional tensions and pressure on Sierra Leone’s leadership, especially amid speculation that proceeds from drug trafficking may be funding political ambitions ahead of the 2028 elections.

NDLEA’s Strategic Commander at the Tin Can Port, Daniel Onyishi, described the seizure as “unprecedented.” He stated that an international investigation is underway, with the agency working alongside the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa confirmed that both international partners have joined the probe to ensure that those responsible for the trafficking network are tracked and brought to justice, regardless of their location.