NDLEA has secured the conviction of 10 Filipino sailors and a vessel over the importation of cocaine into Nigeria through Apapa Port.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction of 10 Filipino sailors and a merchant vessel, MV Nord Bosporus, over the importation of 20 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued on March 18, 2026, by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in Abuja.
According to the NDLEA, the sailors and the vessel were arrested on November 16, 2025, after operatives uncovered the illicit drug concealed deep within cargo aboard the ship.
The vessel had arrived at the Apapa Seaport from Santos, Brazil.
The conviction attracted penalties totalling six million dollars and an additional N1.1 million, marking one of the agency’s major enforcement successes.
NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, described the judgment as a major victory for the rule of law and a strong warning to international drug traffickers.
He said the ruling demonstrates that Nigeria’s territorial waters are no longer safe for illicit narcotics operations.
“This judgment sends a clear signal that vessels used for drug trafficking will face severe consequences, including loss of assets and freedom,” he said.
Marwa noted that the agency is shifting focus beyond seizures to targeting the financial and operational networks of drug syndicates.
He commended the NDLEA Apapa Strategic Command for its vigilance, as well as the Directorate of Prosecution and Legal Services and the judiciary for ensuring a speedy trial.
The NDLEA boss said the conviction follows similar successes, including the case involving MV Chayanee Naree, indicating that the agency’s intensified enforcement strategy is yielding results.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting national security.
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