The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency intercepted the MV Nord Bosporus (IMO 9760110) at Apapa port on 16 November 2025 after inspectors uncovered approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine concealed beneath the ship’s cargo.
The vessel, which had just completed its inaugural voyage from Santos, Brazilnormally transporting coal between Colombia and Brazil was boarded by NDLEA officers. Captain Quino Eugene Corpus and the 19 Filipino crew members were taken into custody for further questioning.
Following the seizure, the agency applied for a court order to keep the ship and its crew in detention. On 20 November 2025, Federal High Court Justice Musa Kakaki issued a 14‑day detention order (case FHC/L/MISC/1306/25), allowing the NDLEA to continue its investigation.The incident comes shortly after a May 2025 judgment in which ten Thai sailors and their vessel were fined $4.3 million for smuggling 32.9 kg of cocaine into Nigeria.
NDLEA Chairman Brigadier‑General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retired) commended the operatives for their vigilance, warning that Nigeria will not become a haven for drug traffickers and that any local collaborators will face the full force of the law.
