Nigeria Customs seizes N273.4m worth of tramadol tablets in Yobe

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 248,500 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride valued at N273.4 million during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation in Yobe State.

The development was reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, citing the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’, Bauchi, Abdullahi Ka’ila, who disclosed the seizure at a news conference in Bauchi.

According to Ka’ila, the drugs were intercepted following credible intelligence that a large consignment of Tramadol was being moved through covert routes in Gumsi Village, located in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Surveillance teams deployed by the unit subsequently carried out a coordinated operation that led to the recovery of the consignment.

What they are saying

Ka’ila said the operation was part of ongoing efforts by the customs service to curb illicit drug trafficking and safeguard public health.

• “The consignment has an estimated street value of N273,350,000. The operation disrupted a major trafficking network believed to have connections beyond Nigeria into neighbouring countries and international markets,” he said.

He explained that Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic intended strictly for medical use under regulated conditions, but has increasingly become a substance of abuse, particularly among youths.

According to him, the illegal importation, sale, and possession of the drug outside regulatory approval constitutes a criminal offence. He added that the rising abuse of Tramadol has contributed to growing cases of addiction and related criminal activities.

Go to speed 

The customs controller noted that the successful interception highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement operations and the growing collaboration among security agencies tackling transnational crimes.

• He said the seizure would significantly reduce the circulation of illicit Tramadol in the market and help prevent addiction and potential health crises among vulnerable groups.
• Ka’ila also said the customs service would continue to strengthen cooperation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in combating drug trafficking across the country.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and continued support to officers of the unit, while urging members of the public and community leaders to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

What you should know 

The Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have continued to collaborate closely in tackling illicit drug trafficking across the country, with several high-profile seizures recorded in recent months.

• In October last year, the Nigeria Customs Service handed over 91 cartons of expired tramadol capsules valued at N92 million to NAFDAC in Adamawa State.
• Between November 19 and 20, NDLEA recovered tramadol pills and codeine syrups worth about N6.7 billion during a sting operation that dismantled a major opioid cartel operating from a residential estate in the Isolo area of Lagos.
• In December 2025, NDLEA also announced the seizure of more than 7.6 million tramadol pills and 76,273.4 kilograms of cannabis during intelligence-led operations conducted across multiple states.

In January, NDLEA arrested a 37-year-old businessman, Ani Onyebuchi Romans, while attempting to traffic 5.3 kilograms of tramadol concealed in full-body mannequins to Cameroon.