FG condemns use of courier for drug trafficking

The federal government has condemned the use of courier and other logistics channels for drug trafficking and illegal activities. The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), in a statement on Sunday, by its spokesman, Franklin Alao, reaffirmed zero-tolerance policy toward such abuse of postal infrastructure and ongoing commitment to regulating the industry with transparency, integrity, and accountability. […]

The federal government has condemned the use of courier and other logistics channels for drug trafficking and illegal activities.

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), in a statement on Sunday, by its spokesman, Franklin Alao, reaffirmed zero-tolerance policy toward such abuse of postal infrastructure and ongoing commitment to regulating the industry with transparency, integrity, and accountability.

It said any operator found to be involved in criminal activity would face immediate regulatory sanctions, including license suspension or revocation, and be reported to appropriate authorities for prosecution.

NIPOST said as the regulator of Nigeria’s courier industry, it led a coordinated effort to ensure compliance, surveillance, and enforcement across the sector.

To stem the tide of growing use of courier service for drug trafficking, the postal industry regulator said it was currently revalidating courier operator licenses, enforcing mandatory Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols, and conducting compliance audits across licensed operators.

NIPOST also said it was working in close collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Customs Service, and relevant security institutions to investigate and deter illicit use of logistics channels.

It said it had also engaged with transport and courier stakeholders and also partnered with transport unions, private courier associations, and key logistics stakeholders to improve sector-wide awareness, surveillance, and reporting of suspicious consignments.

“NIPOST is deploying a digital postcode and parcel identification system that will ensure full traceability from sender to recipient, enhance screening capabilities, and deter the anonymity often exploited in illicit parcel transport,” it added.

The organisation expressed full commitment to restoring the integrity of Nigeria’s courier and logistics industry.

It called on the public to use only licensed courier services and report suspicious activity to NIPOST or law enforcement agencies.

The agency, however, expressed disappointment at the “misleading” media report, which insinuates that NIPOST was aiding and abating courier service companies helping traffickers to do drugs.