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The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of two containers loaded with 3,398 cartons, equivalent to about 339,800 bottles, of Codeine-containing Syrup (CSP) concealed in household utensils at the Apapa Port.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, the seizures were made in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to him, Container No. MRKU 3816476 was found to contain 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of the prohibited codeine syrup concealed with 38 cartons of pearl-plated insulated casserole/5’ Bullet Insulated Hotspot, while Container No. TGBU 5399178 contained 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) hidden alongside 36 cartons of pearl-plated casserole.

Sulaiman said both containers have been seized in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 (as amended).

He noted that the interception came barely five days after the comptroller general of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, visited Apapa Port and warned that the port would no longer serve as a haven for smugglers hiding behind legitimate trade documentation.

“Following the CGC’s visit, officers of the Apapa Area Command recorded yet another significant breakthrough. In a swift follow-up operation on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the Command, in collaboration with the NDLEA, intercepted two containers containing 3,398 cartons (339,800 bottles) of Codeine-containing Syrup carefully concealed in household utensils,” the statement said.

The seized consignments have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.39 billion, according to the Command.

Reacting to the development, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the seizure underscores the Command’s commitment to implementing the directives and enforcement strategy of the comptroller general of Customs.

“This fresh seizure, coming just five days after the CGC’s visit and strong warning to criminal elements, is a direct response to his charge on us. We are fully aligned with the Service’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy and will continue to make Apapa Port extremely hostile to smugglers and drug traffickers,” Oshoba said.

The CAC also commended the NDLEA for its seamless collaboration and support in the successful operation.

He reaffirmed that the Apapa Area Command remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders, protecting public health, and ensuring that criminal networks do not exploit the country’s seaports for illicit trade.

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Multiple explosions rocked Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Monday evening, hours after suspected insurgents launched an attack on a military post on the outskirts of the city.

Security sources said the militants struck a Nigerian military position in the Ajilari Cross area, a district located a few kilometres from the city’s airport, at about midnight. The attack triggered heightened security activity across the area.

A counterinsurgency analyst, Makama Zagazolla, reported that one of the explosions occurred near the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, while other blasts were heard around the city’s main market and near the post office.

Officials said emergency and security agencies were deployed to assess the situation and determine whether there were casualties. Dauda Iliya, media aide to the Borno State government, said authorities were still working to verify the impact of the explosions.

Police spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso confirmed that security forces responded after reports of sporadic gunshots and blasts linked to attempted infiltration by suspected militants.

According to him, joint security operatives engaged the attackers in a coordinated response, forcing them to retreat.

Residents said the incident sparked panic in nearby communities. One resident, Yakaka Ali Gana, described the assault as the first of its kind in the area.

Insurgent groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have intensified attacks across northeastern Nigeria in recent months, continuing a prolonged insurgency that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions.

The Nigerian military had yet to issue an official statement on the incidents as of press time.

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The military high command has disclosed that troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have uncovered a terrorists’ tax collection scheme in Yobe State, while also intercepting suspected logistics suppliers supporting insurgent activities.

According to the military, troops arrested three suspected logistics suppliers in Kanama and apprehended a terrorist tax collector in Kafiya village, both in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The Armed Forces also revealed that a cumulative total of 122,843 insurgents have surrendered to troops under Operation Hadin Kai since the establishment of Operation Safe Corridor in 2015.

Providing an update on the activities of troops, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said sustained military pressure had significantly restricted the movement of terrorists and disrupted their logistical networks.

He noted that the successes recorded were achieved through close collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, local hunters and other hybrid forces supporting ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

Onoja explained that between 7 and 11 March 2026, troops maintained intense operational pressure on terrorists across the theatre, successfully repelling several attacks despite operational challenges.

“During the period, security forces arrested key terrorist operatives, including logistics suppliers, tax collectors, informants and economic saboteurs.

Troops also rescued abducted civilians and intercepted illicit fuel supplies intended to sustain insurgent operations,” Onoja revealed.

He further disclosed that on March 9, 2026, troops recovered arms caches after repelling terrorist attacks in Mafa and Jere Local Government Areas of Borno State.

Similarly, troops repelled simultaneous attacks on Forward Operating Bases in Tuba and Doro Baga on March 10, 2026, demonstrating strong defensive coordination and combat readiness.

On March 11, troops carried out an ambush operation at Mantamaleri in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising two terrorists.

“In Adamawa State, troops responded swiftly to distress calls from Madagali and Maiha Local Government Areas, rescuing kidnapped victims and seizing 23 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit intended for terrorist use.

“Within the same period, 14 additional insurgents surrendered, bringing the total number of those who have laid down their arms under Operation Hadin Kai to 122,843 since the creation of Operation Safe Corridor in 2015,” he said.

Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2 in Goniri, Yobe State, supported by close air support from the Air Component, repelled a coordinated night attack by terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on March 11, 2026.

During the encounter, troops neutralised over 20 terrorists, including a high-value target, Abu Yusu, identified as the Munzir of Dursula. Weapons, improvised explosive devices and ammunition were also recovered.

Troops have since maintained control of the area and commenced clearance and pursuit operations to prevent fleeing insurgents from regrouping.