Bauchi, Nigeria – The Nigeria Customs Service has seized 248,500 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride valued at N273.4 million ($181,000 USD) during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation in Yobe State. The development was disclosed by the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone D, Abdullahi Ka’ila, at a news conference in Bauchi on Monday.
Okay News reports that the drugs were intercepted following credible intelligence that a large consignment was being moved through covert routes in Gumsi Village, located in Nguru Local Government Area. Surveillance teams subsequently carried out a coordinated operation that led to recovery of the consignment.
Ka’ila stated that the operation was part of ongoing efforts 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 neighboring countries and international markets.
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic intended strictly for medical use under regulated conditions. However, it has increasingly become a substance of abuse, particularly among youths. The illegal importation, sale, and possession of the drug outside regulatory approval constitutes a criminal offence.
The rising abuse of Tramadol has contributed to growing cases of addiction and related criminal activities.
The successful interception highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement operations and growing collaboration among security agencies tackling transnational crimes. The seizure will significantly reduce circulation of illicit Tramadol and help prevent addiction and potential health crises among vulnerable groups.
The customs service will continue strengthening cooperation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in combating drug trafficking across the country.
The Nigeria Customs Service and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have continued close collaboration in tackling illicit drug trafficking, with several high-profile seizures recorded in recent months.
In October 2025, customs handed over 91 cartons of expired tramadol capsules valued at N92 million to the drug administration agency in Adamawa State. Between November 19 and 20, the drug enforcement agency recovered tramadol pills and codeine syrups worth about N6.7 billion during a sting operation in Lagos.
In December 2025, the agency announced seizure of more than 7.6 million tramadol pills and 76,273.4 kilograms of cannabis during intelligence-led operations across multiple states. In January 2026, the agency arrested a businessman while attempting to traffic 5.3 kilograms of tramadol concealed in full-body mannequins to Cameroon.
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