Seme Customs Command Records N19.84bn In Seven Months, Seizes Explosive Cartridges, Expired Food Products, Illicit Drugs And Prohibited Items Worth N365.16m
By Ogochukwu Charity Onuigbo
Seme Customs Command Records N19.84bn In Seven Months, Seizes Explosive Cartridges, Expired Food Products, Illicit Drugs And Prohibited Items Worth N365.16m
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, under the leadership of Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila generated N19.84 billion revenue between January and July 2026, representing a 24.45 per cent increase over the N15.94 billion collected in corresponding period of 2025 fiscal year.
It is reported that the command also intercepted 3,300 explosive cartridges being illegally transported through the Seme border corridor, alongside expired food products, illicit drugs, foreign rice and other prohibited items with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N365.16 million.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, revealed this revenue profile of the command during a press briefing at the Seme Border in Badagry, Lagos State.
According to the report, the command had already exceeded its 2025 revenue by N3.899 billion within the first seven months of 2026, reflecting stronger compliance, improved stakeholder engagement, enhanced operational efficiency and intensified anti-smuggling operations.
He disclosed that the command remained committed to balancing effective border enforcement with trade facilitation.
Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila is quoted as stating that: “Effective enforcement and efficient trade facilitation are complementary responsibilities. The command will continue to facilitate legitimate trade, while smugglers will be denied opportunities to undermine the economy.
In the area of enforcement operations, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila revealed that officers intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials, describing the seizure as a significant national security intervention because of the potential for such materials to be used in criminal and violent activities.
Besides, he said the explosives and one suspect had been handed over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force for safe custody and further investigation.
The report said the command also intercepted 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, following intelligence-driven surveillance operations.
In the same vein, he said the truck conveying the consignment had been falsely declared as carrying food items, but upon a detailed examination by customs officers it was found to contain the expired products.
Intelligence report indicate that the noodles were allegedly intended to be repackaged and relabelled for sale to unsuspecting consumers in Nigeria, showing that the seizure prevented potentially harmful food products from entering the domestic market.
According to official report, the Command further intercepted 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice smuggled into the country through unauthorised routes.
Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila Kaila, who said the illegal importation of rice does not only deprived the government of legitimate revenue, but also undermined local rice production and the Federal Government’s agricultural policies.
Commenting on illicit drugs and controlled substances, he said the command seized 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramaking 250mg, 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg, and 310,000 sticks of Time/Yes cigarettes.
The report therefore said the seizures disrupted illicit supply chains and prevented dangerous substances and unregulated pharmaceutical products from reaching Nigerian communities.
In addition, he said the seized drugs and pharmaceutical products, will be 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 regulatory action.
The report said other items intercepted by the command included a used speedboat, a used water bike, a 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser, a 2016 Toyota RAV4, and a 2010 Nissan Versa.
Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila took time out to warn smugglers and other economic saboteurs that the Command had intensified intelligence-led operations and would continue collaborating with sister security agencies to combat criminal activities along the border corridor.
In his words: “To those engaged in smuggling activities, our message remains unequivocal. Seme is no longer a safe corridor for economic sabotage”.
Furthermore, he reaffirmed the command’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic reform agenda, facilitating compliant trade and promoting regional commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In conclusion, the Customs Area Controller also commended security and regulatory agencies for their cooperation and intelligence sharing, while appreciating the media for promoting transparency and accountability in customs operations.
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