LIFESTYLE Culture

Seme Border: Customs Intercept N365m Goods, Explosives

by admin on | 2026-08-13 11:36:10

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Seme Border: Customs Intercept N365m Goods, Explosives  

By Imam Bala Muhammad

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has intercepted dangerous consignments, including 1,306 sacks of expired noodles, illicit drugs, cigarettes and 3,300 cartridges of explosives, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N365,163,709.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, stated this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Seme, Badagry, Lagos State.

Kaila said the seizures were made possible through credible intelligence, sustained surveillance and collaboration with sister security agencies.

Expired Food, Rice Intercepted

According to him, officers intercepted a truck deceptively declared as carrying food items. Upon examination, 1,306 sacks of expired and decomposing noodles, weighing 50kg each, were discovered.

“Intelligence revealed the intention was to repackage, relabel and introduce these products into Nigerian markets for unsuspecting consumers. Had this shipment succeeded, countless families would have been exposed to food poisoning and life-threatening illnesses,” Kaila stated.

He explained that the command also intercepted 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, weighing 50kg each, smuggled through illegal routes.

The comptroller noted that such smuggling undermined the Federal Government’s agricultural policy and threatened the livelihood of local farmers.

Drugs, Cigarettes, Explosives Seized

On national security, the command intercepted 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramaking 250mg, 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg, 310,000 sticks of Time/Yes cigarettes and 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials.

Kaila described the explosives as the most dangerous seizure, noting that they could facilitate terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

“The explosive materials, along with one suspect, have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for safe custody and further investigation,” he said.

The drugs and pharmaceuticals 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 action.

Other items seized include one used speedboat, one water bike and three vehicles: a 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2016 Toyota RAV4 and 2010 Nissan Versa.

Revenue, Trade Facilitation

While highlighting the command’s enforcement activities, Kaila also reported strong revenue performance.

He said the command generated N15.94 billion in 2025.

However, between January and July 2026, it generated N19.84 billion, surpassing the entire 2025 collection by N3.89 billion, representing a 24.45 per cent increase.

“This shows that enforcement and trade facilitation are complementary. While we are blocking smuggling, we are also creating an enabling environment for legitimate traders under AfCFTA,” Kaila said.

Kaila commended the officers and men of the command for their professionalism and appreciated sister agencies for intelligence sharing.

He also commended members of the press for promoting transparency and public confidence in Nigeria Customs Service operations.

The comptroller therefore warned economic saboteurs that “Seme is no longer a safe corridor for smuggling,” and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting public health, national security and the Nigerian economy.