By The Tochlight Africa
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations with the interception of expired food products, illicit drugs, explosive materials, foreign rice and other prohibited items with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦365.16 million.
The Customs Area Controller of the Seme Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, disclosed this on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Seme Border in Badagry, Lagos State, while briefing journalists and stakeholders on the Command’s recent enforcement activities.
Comptroller Kaila said the seizures were the outcome of intelligence-driven operations and sustained surveillance aimed at protecting national security, public health and the Nigerian economy.
He stressed that every interception represents the Service’s determination to prevent criminal networks from exploiting Nigeria’s borders while facilitating legitimate trade.
Customs Intercepts 1,306 Sacks of Expired Noodles
In one of the most disturbing seizures, officers intercepted a truck falsely declared to be carrying food items.
Following credible intelligence, the consignment was subjected to thorough examination, leading to the discovery of 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilogrammes.
According to Kaila, many of the products had deteriorated and were already decomposing, with intelligence indicating that the items were allegedly intended to be repackaged and relabelled before being introduced into the Nigerian market.
He warned that allowing the products into circulation could have exposed unsuspecting consumers to serious health risks, including food poisoning and gastrointestinal illnesses.
The Comptroller described the seizure as a demonstration that border enforcement is also an important component of public health protection.
1,268 Bags of Foreign Rice Seized
The Command also intercepted 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, allegedly smuggled through illegal routes.
Kaila noted that smuggling of agricultural products not only deprives government of legitimate revenue but also undermines efforts to promote domestic production and protect the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.
Customs Seizes Cannabis, Tramadol and Tapentadol
In its continued battle against illicit drugs and harmful substances, the Seme 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
The Customs Area Controller said the seized substances posed significant risks to public health and could contribute to substance abuse and other forms of criminality.
He added that the interceptions had disrupted illicit supply chains and prevented dangerous products from reaching Nigerian communities.
3,300 Cartridges of Explosive Materials Intercepted
In another major security breakthrough, Customs officers intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials being illegally conveyed through the border corridor.
Kaila described the seizure as particularly significant given the potential for explosives to be diverted into the hands of criminal elements involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He disclosed that, due to the sensitive nature of the seizure, the explosives had already been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for safe custody and further investigation.
One suspect connected with the seizure was also transferred to the police unit.
Vehicles, Speedboat and Water Bike Impounded
As part of its wider anti-smuggling operations, the Command also seized:
- One used speedboat
- One used water bike
- One used Toyota Land Cruiser, 2017 model
- One used Toyota RAV4, 2016 model
- One used Nissan Versa, 2010 model
The total Duty Paid Value of all items displayed was put at ₦365,163,709.
Kaila warned smugglers and economic saboteurs that the Seme border would no longer serve as a safe corridor for illegal activities.
Seme Customs Revenue Hits ₦19.84bn in Seven Months
Beyond enforcement, the Seme Area Command recorded significant growth in revenue generation.
According to the Comptroller, the Command generated ₦15,941,258,676.01 in 2025.
However, between January and July 2026, the Command generated ₦19,840,280,788.50.
This means that in just seven months, the Command exceeded its entire 2025 revenue performance by ₦3,899,022,112.49, representing a 24.45 per cent increase.
Kaila attributed the performance to improved compliance, stronger stakeholder engagement and enhanced operational efficiency.
He emphasised that enforcement and trade facilitation are complementary aspects of the Customs Service’s mandate.
While the Command would continue to deny smugglers access to illegal routes, he said compliant traders would continue to receive support through an enabling environment for legitimate cross-border commerce.
Seized Drugs and Pharmaceuticals to Be Handed Over to NDLEA, NAFDAC
The Comptroller further 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 appropriate action.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic reforms, promoting legitimate regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and ensuring that criminal networks have no safe haven within its area of responsibility.
Kaila commended sister security and regulatory agencies for their cooperation, intelligence sharing and support, while also appreciating the media for its role in promoting transparency and public confidence in Customs operations.
He assured Nigerians that the Seme Area Command would sustain its intelligence-led enforcement strategy while facilitating legitimate trade and protecting the nation’s economic and security interests.
“Seme is no longer a safe corridor for economic sabotage,” the Comptroller declared.