A Federal High Court in Lagos has authorised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to detain a merchant vessel and its 21 crew members. The order follows the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine at Apapa seaport.
Okay News reports that Justice Frida Nkemakonam Ogazi granted the 14-day detention. It covers the vessel MV San Antonio, its captain, and the crew pending investigations.
NDLEA operatives discovered the cocaine on December 6, 2025. The drugs were hidden in the ship’s hatch after cargo discharge.
The vessel had arrived from Brazil. Intelligence prompted the search and recovery operation.
All 21 crew members hold nationalities from Russia, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan. They remain in custody alongside the seized consignment.
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured an order of a Federal High Court in Lagos to detain a ship, its captain and 20 other crew members following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine in the hatch of the commodity vessel from Brazil at the Apapa seaport in Lagos,” the agency stated.
NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa praised the interception. He reiterated the agency’s stance against using Nigeria for drug transit.
Marwa highlighted enhanced capacity to disrupt trafficking networks. The operation targets routes affecting Nigeria and West Africa.
This seizure follows a similar November incident involving 20 kilograms of cocaine on another Brazil-linked ship. Both cases involved concealment in vessel structures at Apapa.
The court application occurred on December 12 via ex parte motion. The matter adjourns to December 29, 2025.
Ongoing probes aim to determine individual roles before charges. NDLEA continues collaboration with partners for port security.
These actions reinforce Nigeria’s enforcement against international drug syndicates and protect regional anti-trafficking efforts.
