The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted 3,300 explosive cartridges along the Seme border corridor, alongside expired food products, illicit drugs, foreign rice, and other prohibited items. The seizures carry a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦365.16 million.
Addressing journalists at the Seme Border, Customs Area Controller Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila said the interceptions reflected intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting public health, national security and the Nigerian economy.
Comptroller Kaila also said that the Command generated N19.84 billion between January and July 2026 which is higher than the whole amount generated throughout 2025 which was ₦15.94 billion. Already the Command has achieved an increase of ₦3.899 billion about 24.45% even in just seven months.
He attributed the growth to stronger compliance, stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency, and intensified enforcement against smuggling.
According to Kaila, other key seizures include expired noodles: 1,306 sacks (50kg each), disguised as food items, allegedly meant for repackaging and resale, 1,268 bags of parboiled foreign rice (50kg each), smuggled through illegal routes, and 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramaking 250mg, 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg, and 310,000 sticks of cigarettes.
Others are vehicles and equipment which include one speedboat, one water bike, and three used cars including a 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser.
He emphasized that the Command remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It’s also saddled with the responsibility of protecting public health by blocking harmful products.
He added that the Command will continue to support government agricultural policies by curbing rice smuggling as well as working closely with sister agencies like NDLEA and NAFDAC to disrupt illicit supply chains.
This achievement demonstrates that effective enforcement and efficient trade facilitation are complementary responsibilities,” Kaila stated.
“While we continue to deny smugglers opportunities to undermine the economy, we remain equally committed to creating an enabling environment for compliant traders.”
The illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products will be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Kaila thanked sister security and regulatory agencies for their cooperation and the media for its partnership in projecting the activities of the Service.
He warned smugglers that intelligence-driven operations have been intensified and vowed continued collaboration with security agencies to frustrate criminal activities along the border.
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