Illegal Delivery Operators Exploiting Loopholes to Move Arms and Narcotics, NIPOST Issues Grave Security Alert

 

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has issued a strong warning against the increasing menace of unlicensed courier operators who are allegedly being used to transport illicit drugs and dangerous weapons across the country.

At a recent stakeholders’ engagement held in Akure, Ondo State, the General Manager of the Courier and Logistics Regulations Department, Oludotun Sounde, raised critical concerns regarding the rapid proliferation of unauthorized courier companies. These operators, according to him, now pose a real and growing threat to the nation's security and economic stability.

He emphasized that many of these illicit logistics firms function without proper regulation and operate from informal setups such as car parks, roadside kiosks, and private homes. By offering delivery services at prices that undercut established companies, they continue to lure unsuspecting citizens into using their platforms, often without understanding the serious risks involved.

The growing presence of these illegal actors has, according to Mr Sounde, created a significant gap in Nigeria’s logistics and security architecture. Unlike licensed courier firms, which must adhere to strict safety protocols and regulatory checks, these operators often lack both the expertise and infrastructure to handle packages safely and securely.

“They function outside the radar of accountability. There is no oversight, no standards, and no proper vetting. The entire ecosystem they create is a threat to both the safety of citizens and the integrity of national logistics,” Mr Sounde noted during the meeting.

Adding weight to the seriousness of the matter, he disclosed that NIPOST has recently stepped up enforcement measures to clamp down on these unregulated businesses. In one of their latest operations, two unauthorized courier outfits were shut down and three motorcycles used in their illegal business activities were confiscated.

He also mentioned that one unlicensed courier operator was arrested after being caught in possession of firearms and hard drugs during routine enforcement action. This, he explained, underscores the extent to which criminal networks are exploiting the absence of regulation in parts of the logistics industry to move contraband freely within Nigerian borders.

According to Mr Sounde, these developments represent a national emergency that must not be downplayed. He likened using illegal courier services to visiting an unqualified medical practitioner, warning that it might seem cheap at first but could result in devastating consequences.

“These operators offer cut-rate prices that make them seem appealing to ordinary Nigerians, but what you’re really paying for is risk. Risk of theft, risk of parcel tampering, and in worst cases, risk of criminal implication if your parcel is linked to illegal activities,” he said.

Mr Sounde reaffirmed that every courier and logistics company must obtain a valid operational licence from the Postmaster General, stressing that such a system is vital for transparency and traceability. This regulatory measure, he said, is not merely a bureaucratic formality but a frontline defense against national threats disguised as routine logistics.

He went on to urge Nigerians to only patronize properly licensed logistics services. Doing so, he added, is not just a matter of consumer protection but also a patriotic act that contributes to the safety of all citizens and supports the formal economy.

“A properly regulated delivery system doesn’t just ensure your goods arrive safely, it also helps the country in combating organized crime, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling,” Mr Sounde concluded.

As illegal courier networks continue to adapt and operate in the shadows, NIPOST's vigilance and enforcement efforts appear to be only part of the solution. Mr Sounde’s call for public awareness and responsibility comes at a critical time when national security threats increasingly evolve through unconventional means, including courier services once considered harmless.

The message was clear: safeguarding Nigeria's logistics space is a shared responsibility that starts with informed choices. The public must now weigh the cost of cheap, untraceable delivery services against the greater price of compromising national safety.