By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has intercepted a wide range of contraband, including expired noodles, foreign parboiled rice, illicit drugs, cigarettes and explosive materials, with a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦365,163,709.
The Customs Area Controller of the Seme Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, disclosed this on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, during a press briefing at the Seme Border in Badagry, Lagos State.
According to him, the seizures were the result of intelligence-driven operations and sustained surveillance aimed at protecting Nigeria’s borders, safeguarding public health, combating smuggling and denying criminal networks access to the country.
Customs Intercepts 1,306 Sacks of Expired Noodles
Comptroller Kaila said officers intercepted a truck falsely declared to be carrying food items following credible intelligence.
A thorough examination of the consignment led to the discovery of 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilogrammes.
He said some of the products had deteriorated and were visibly decomposing, while intelligence indicated that the items were allegedly intended to be repackaged, relabelled and introduced into the Nigerian market.
He warned that the products could have exposed unsuspecting consumers to serious health hazards, including food poisoning and gastrointestinal diseases.
1,268 Bags of Foreign Rice Seized
The Command also intercepted 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, allegedly smuggled into Nigeria through illegal routes.
Kaila said such activities not only deprive the government of legitimate revenue but also undermine agricultural policies, discourage local rice production and threaten the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.
Customs Intercepts Cannabis, Tramadol, Tapentadol
In its ongoing efforts to combat illicit drugs and harmful substances, the Seme Area 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 boss said the seized substances posed serious threats to public health and national security.
He added that illicit drugs are often associated with criminal activities, while smuggled cigarettes evade regulatory requirements and statutory duties.
3,300 Cartridges of Explosive Materials Intercepted:
In one of the most sensitive seizures, Customs officers intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials allegedly being illegally conveyed through the border corridor.
Kaila said the materials could potentially be used by criminal elements to facilitate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He disclosed that the explosives had been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for safe custody and further investigation.
One suspect was also transferred to the police unit in connection with the seizure.
Vehicles, Watercraft Also Seized:
The Command further intercepted several items as part of its anti-smuggling operations, including:
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 the items displayed was put at ₦365,163,709.
Seme Customs Revenue Rises to ₦19.84bn
Beyond its enforcement activities, the Seme Area Command recorded significant growth in revenue collection.
Kaila said the Command generated ₦15,941,258,676.01 in revenue throughout 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 collection by ₦3,899,022,112.49, representing a 24.45 per cent increase.
According to the Customs Area Controller, the development demonstrates that effective enforcement and efficient trade facilitation can work together to improve revenue generation.
He said the Command would continue to provide an enabling environment for compliant traders while preventing smugglers from exploiting the border.
Customs: Seme No Longer Safe Corridor for Smugglers
Kaila said the Command’s renewed intelligence-led approach to combating smuggling was yielding positive results.
He warned smugglers and economic saboteurs that the Seme border would no longer serve as a safe passage for illegal activities.
He also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic reforms, facilitating legitimate regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and strengthening border security.
Drugs and Pharmaceuticals to Be Handed Over to NDLEA, NAFDAC
The Customs boss 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.
He also commended sister security and regulatory agencies for their cooperation, intelligence sharing and support in securing the nation’s borders.
Kaila further appreciated members of the media for their role in informing the public and promoting transparency and accountability in the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He said the Seme Area Command would remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s economy, public health and national security while facilitating legitimate trade across the border.
