**Nigerian Customs Foils N6.38bn Smuggling Attempt at Apapa Command** The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against smuggling and trade malpractices at the Apapa port in Lagos. In a recent operation, the command intercepted 13 containers loaded with prohibited, expired, and falsely declared goods worth a whopping N6.38 billion. According to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the containers were seized through intelligence-driven enforcement and advanced scanning technology. The illicit items included expired pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, restricted security equipment, and other consumables that were not declared properly or were prohibited by law. Adeniyi explained that the Service has been intensifying its cargo monitoring operations using technology-driven enforcement tools, including Non-Intrusive Inspection systems (scanning). These tools enable officers to quickly examine containerized cargo, detect anomalies in declarations, and identify suspicious consignments without disrupting legitimate trade flows. The Customs boss revealed that the command has been processing high volumes of cargo at the Apapa port, with 3,236 consignments passing through the Orange channel (Non-Intrusive Inspection – scanning), 5,490 through the Yellow channel (documentary checks), and 21,373 through the Red channel (full physical examination). This operation is a testament to the Service's commitment to clamping down on smuggling and trade malpractices in Nigeria. It also highlights the importance of technology in enhancing cargo examination procedures and improving efficiency at our ports. In recent times, the country has witnessed a surge in smuggling activities, with many consignments being intercepted at ports across the country. The Nigeria Customs Service has been working tirelessly to curb this menace and ensure that only legitimate goods enter the country. The Apapa port is one of the busiest ports in Nigeria, and the Service's efforts to strengthen cargo examination procedures and improve efficiency at the port are crucial in maintaining a level playing field for legitimate importers and exporters. This operation is a major victory for the Service and a significant blow to smugglers and trade malpractors.