NIPOST denies accusing Courier Services of drug trafficking under Tinubu

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has firmly denied recent media reports alleging it accused courier companies of being used to transport hard drugs since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

In a statement issued on Saturday, July 6, 2025, by its Director of Corporate Communications, Femi Atoyebi, NIPOST described the publication as false, misleading, and damaging to its reputation and the image of the federal government.

“The attention of the Management of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has been drawn to a recent publication by Peoples Gazette, titled ‘Nigerian courier services have been easily transporting hard drugs since Tinubu became president – NIPOST,’ which falsely attributes these allegations to NIPOST,” the agency stated. “At no point has NIPOST made any such statement or associated these criminal acts with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The postal agency clarified that it has not issued any comments linking the rise in drug trafficking activities with the current administration. Rather, NIPOST emphasized that it continues to play an active regulatory and enforcement role in safeguarding Nigeria’s postal and logistics sector against abuse.

As the statutory regulator for courier and logistics services in the country, NIPOST said it is already working closely with key national security agencies — including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Customs Service — to tackle the threat of drug trafficking through courier platforms.

To further tighten oversight, NIPOST announced the deployment of a Digital Postage and Parcel Identification System, which will enable full tracking of parcels from the point of dispatch to the final recipient. This innovation is expected to improve traceability, reduce the risk of criminal infiltration, and strengthen trust in Nigeria’s logistics chain.

Operators found to be involved in criminal activities such as smuggling, drug transport, or illegal handling of foreign currencies, NIPOST warned, risk immediate suspension or revocation of licenses, and would be handed over to relevant law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

READ ALSO: NDLEA nabs ex-footballer, foreign-based suspects in nationwide drug busts

In addition to working with government bodies, the agency disclosed that it is also partnering with private courier firms, transport unions, and other logistics stakeholders to enhance surveillance, foster intelligence sharing, and encourage whistleblowing around suspicious activities.

Meanwhile, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to sanitizing the courier industry through nationwide enforcement operations. Just last week, Mr. Shonde Dotun, General Manager of NIPOST’s Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department, led a major crackdown in Kaduna State.

The operation targeted illegal courier operators, leading to the sealing of multiple unauthorized dispatch and logistics outlets. Dotun revealed that many of these illicit businesses are aiding criminal groups in moving firearms, narcotics, and even foreign currencies.

He cited disturbing discoveries made during the enforcement raid, including cocaine hidden inside loaves of bread and heroin stashed in religious statues — tactics he described as increasingly sophisticated.

According to Dotun, over 500 illegal operators were arrested and prosecuted in 2024, and more than 100 arrests have already been recorded in 2025 as the clampdown spreads from Kano to Kaduna and other major states.

NIPOST disclosed that its next phase of enforcement will target motor parks, stock houses, capital market hubs, and airports — all in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.

The agency urged media outlets and civil society organisations to support its mandate by reporting responsibly and contributing to national development through accurate information dissemination.

It also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious courier or logistics activity, noting that community cooperation is vital to securing Nigeria’s evolving logistics landscape