Seme Customs Rebuffs False Reports, Highlights Major Enforcement Successes

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has responded firmly to online reports about its border operations, urging the public to ignore unfounded claims regarding officers’ conduct at the Lagos Abidjan corridor.

According to a statement on Monday, explained that since Comptroller Wale Adenuga took office in September 2025, significant enhancements in enforcement in collaboration with the Nigerian Military and security agencies have led to substantial seizures, including thousands of bags of illegal rice, expired flour, endangered species, and narcotics.

The command also explained that the reactivation of the Joint Border Security Meeting (JBSM) has further reinforced joint operations aimed at curbing smuggling along the corridor.

The Command has seen its monthly revenue soar by over 300% due to strengthened enforcement and trade facilitation. Reaffirming its dedication to transparency and professionalism, the Command is committed to maintaining a secure and efficient border along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor during the yuletide season and beyond.

The statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, of the Command ,Chief Superintendent of Customs,Isah Sulaiman dated 24 November 2025 clarified by saying that “The attention of the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has been drawn to a misleading publication circulating online, making unfounded claims about the conduct of officers along the Seme corridor. The Command categorically disassociates itself from the said report and urges the public to disregard it in its entirety.

“Since the assumption of office by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, in September 2025, enforcement activities along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor have been significantly strengthened through enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Military and other sister security agencies. The reactivation of the Joint Border Security Meeting (JBSM) has further reinforced joint operations aimed at curbing smuggling.

‘As enforcement intensifies during the yuletide season, the Command is aware that individuals whose illegal activities have been disrupted may resort to misinformation and sensational reporting. While these attempts are unsurprising, they will not distract the Command from carrying out its lawful duties.

“For clarity, between 9 September 2025 and date, the Command recorded the seizure of over 4,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to approximately seven trailer loads), Five trailer loads of expired flour, endangered species (Lion Cub and Patas Monkeys) over 2000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marjuana), among other seizures. These results reflect the renewed operational drive to protect Nigeria’s economic interests.

“Under the leadership of Comptroller Adenuga, the revenue of the Command has improved significantly, rising from average of 500 and 600 million Naira monthly revenue collection to over ₦1.5 billion in September and exceeding ₦2.5 billion in October; an increase of more than 300%. This growth is attributed to blocked leakages, strengthened enforcement, and enhanced facilitation of legitimate trade.

“The Seme Area Command reaffirms its commitment to professionalism, transparency and zero tolerance for corruption or misconduct. With the continuous support of the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Management Team, the Command will sustain its efforts in safeguarding national security, enforcing compliance and facilitating lawful trade through the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.”the statement noted.