The Sea Empowerment & Research Centre (SERC) has expressed concern over the growing volume of illicit drugs intercepted at Nigeria’s seaports, warning that criminal networks are increasingly using the country’s maritime gateways for drug trafficking.
According to the organisation, 109,306.75 kilogrammes (about 109.3 tonnes) of illicit narcotics with an estimated street value of more than N45 billion were seized at Nigerian seaports during the first half of 2026.
In its Special Mid-Year Maritime Security and Blue Economy Bulletin, signed by Head of Research, Eugene Nweke, SERC said the large seizures demonstrate improved intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration between security agencies and more effective enforcement operations. However, it warned that they also reveal the increasing activities of transnational drug trafficking syndicates along Nigeria’s maritime trade routes.
The organisation cautioned that continued attempts to use Nigerian ports as transit points for illicit drugs could damage the country’s international trade reputation, lead to stricter inspections by destination countries, delay cargo clearance, discourage investment and increase Nigeria’s maritime risk profile.
SERC also noted that maritime drug trafficking fuels money laundering, organised crime, corruption and other illicit financial activities that threaten national security and economic stability.
The group called for a shift from relying mainly on drug seizures to intelligence-driven prevention through the deployment of artificial intelligence-powered cargo profiling, expanded use of non-intrusive cargo scanners, improved container tracking systems, stronger collaboration among the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and other security agencies, as well as the full implementation of the National Single Window system.
According to available data, Apapa Port recorded the highest volume of drug seizures during the review period, with 77,959.95 kilogrammes, accounting for more than 71 per cent of the total. Port Harcourt Port followed with 25,635 kilogrammes, while Tincan Island Port recorded 5,711.8 kilogrammes of seized illicit drugs during the first six months of 2026.
