Seme Customs Command Seizes Contraband, Drugs, Expired Food Products and Explosives Worth ₦365.16 Million; Records 24.45% Revenue Growth

…by Adeleke Olubanwo

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a wide range of contraband, illicit drugs, expired food products, foreign parboiled rice, cigarettes, explosive materials and other prohibited items with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦365,163,709.

The Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, disclosed this on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Seme, Badagry, Lagos State.

Comptroller Kaila said the seizures were the outcome of intelligence-driven operations, sustained surveillance and collaboration with sister security and regulatory agencies within the Command’s area of responsibility.

He noted that the interceptions were not merely seizures of contraband, but evidence of the Command’s commitment to protecting national security, public health and the Nigerian economy, while facilitating legitimate trade and generating revenue for national development.

Customs Intercepts 1,306 Sacks of Expired and Waste Noodles

A major seizure recorded by the Command involved 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilograms.

According to the Comptroller, the consignment was intercepted following credible intelligence after it was deceptively declared as food items. A thorough examination of the truck uncovered the expired products, many of which had already deteriorated and were visibly decomposing.

Intelligence gathered by the Command indicated that the products were allegedly intended to be repackaged, relabelled and introduced into the Nigerian market for unsuspecting consumers.

Comptroller Kaila described the interception as a significant public-health intervention, noting that the successful seizure prevented potentially harmful food products from reaching Nigerian households.

He stressed that border protection extends beyond the prevention of smuggling, as effective border enforcement also serves as a critical line of defence against threats to public health.

1,268 Bags of Foreign Rice Intercepted

In separate enforcement operations conducted at various flashpoints within the Command’s area of responsibility, officers also intercepted 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kilograms.

The Comptroller explained that the illegal importation of foreign rice not only deprives government of legitimate revenue but also undermines the Federal Government’s agricultural policies, discourages local rice production and threatens the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.

Customs Intercepts Illicit Drugs and Harmful Substances

As part of its contribution to national security and public safety, the Command also intercepted significant quantities of illicit drugs, unregistered pharmaceutical products and cigarettes.

The seized items include:

• 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa;
• 90 packs of Tramaking 250mg;
• 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg; and
• 310,000 sticks of Time/Yes cigarettes.

Comptroller Kaila said the seizures had disrupted criminal supply chains and prevented dangerous substances from reaching communities, particularly young Nigerians.

He noted that illicit drugs are often associated with substance abuse and other forms of criminality, while smuggled cigarettes evade statutory duties and regulatory controls and may expose consumers to products that do not meet approved health and quality standards.

3,300 Cartridges of Explosive Materials Intercepted

In one of the most sensitive seizures recorded by the Command, Customs officers intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials being illegally conveyed through the border corridor.

The Comptroller described the interception as a significant national-security achievement, stressing that explosive materials in the hands of criminal elements could facilitate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He attributed the successful interception to the vigilance and professionalism of Customs officers, as well as intelligence-driven operations conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies.

Due to the sensitive nature of the seizure, the explosive materials have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for safe custody and further investigation. One suspect has also been transferred to the Unit.

Vehicles and Marine Assets Intercepted

As part of its continued anti-smuggling operations, the Command also intercepted the following items:

• One used speedboat;
• One used Water Bike;
• One used Toyota Land Cruiser, 2017 model;
• One used Toyota RAV4, 2016 model; and
• One used Nissan Versa, 2010 model.

The total Duty Paid Value of all items displayed during the briefing stands at ₦365,163,709.

Comptroller Kaila warned individuals and criminal networks engaged in smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage that the Seme corridor would continue to be subjected to intelligence-led enforcement.

He stated that the Command’s renewed resolve to combat smuggling and cross-border crimes was yielding results and would be sustained.

Seme Customs Records 24.45% Revenue Growth

Beyond its enforcement activities, the Seme Area Command has also recorded significant growth in revenue collection.

In 2025, the Command generated a total revenue of ₦15,941,258,676.01.

However, between January and July 2026, the Command generated ₦19,840,280,788.50.

This represents an increase of ₦3,899,022,112.49, or 24.45 per cent, over the Command’s entire 2025 revenue collection, achieved within just seven months of 2026.

The Comptroller attributed the performance to improved compliance, enhanced stakeholder engagement and strengthened operational efficiency.

He emphasised that enforcement and trade facilitation are complementary aspects of the Customs Service’s statutory responsibilities.

According to him, while the Command remains committed to denying smugglers the opportunity to undermine the Nigerian economy, it will continue to provide an enabling environment for compliant traders to conduct legitimate business with ease, transparency and predictability.

Commitment to Legitimate Trade and Regional Integration

The Seme Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic reforms, facilitating compliant trade and promoting regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Comptroller Kaila assured legitimate traders and other stakeholders operating within the Seme corridor that the Command would continue to strengthen its trade-facilitation mechanisms while maintaining firm enforcement against smuggling and transnational criminal activities.

He also commended sister security and government regulatory agencies for their cooperation, intelligence sharing and continued commitment to national security.

Seized Items to Be Handed Over to Relevant Agencies

The Comptroller disclosed that the illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products seized by the Command would be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and necessary action.

The explosive materials, together with one suspect, have already been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit because of the highly sensitive nature of the seizure.

Comptroller Kaila expressed appreciation to all sister security and regulatory agencies for their continued partnership and support in securing the nation’s borders.

He also commended members of the media for their role in informing the public and promoting transparency, accountability and public confidence in the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The Comptroller reaffirmed that the Seme Area Command would continue to work tirelessly to protect Nigeria’s borders, facilitate legitimate trade, generate revenue and prevent criminal networks from exploiting the nation’s border corridors.

 

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