CUSTOMS :Seme Command Intercepts 5 Trucks Laden With Contrabands

 

 

 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) , Seme Area Command has announced a series of significant operational successes in anti-smuggling enforcement, revenue generation, and export facilitation .

Speaking during a media briefing held at the ECOWAS Complex, Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake on Thursday ,Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, said operatives intercepted and seized five trucks laden with contraband along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor between July 1 and July 19, 2025.

He noted that the confiscated goods included: 2,800 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 250 bales of second-hand clothing with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the major seizure, including the trucks, was put at ₦919,500,626.00.

According to him, further notable seizures within the review period from May 14 to July 24, 2025, comprised: 898 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana), 1,319 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 40 bags of sugar and 64 bags of flour (50kg each), 50 cartons of tomato ketchup, 1 boat and engine, 20 bales of second-hand clothing and 4 bales of used shoes with total DPV for all seizures in the period amounted to ₦1,268,794,474.00.

Comptroller Oramalugo credited these accomplishments to the vigilance and dedication of the officers and highlighted the critical support from the Nigerian military and other security agencies.

Restating the Federal Government’s ban on rice importation through land borders, the Area Controller noted Nigeria’s leadership in rice production within Africa, with annual output exceeding 8 million metric tonnes, adding that despite this, local rice mills face underutilization due to insufficient patronage. The ban, he stated was aimed to protect local industry and bolster agricultural sustainability.

Oramalugo sent a strong warning to smugglers, saying: “The Seme Area Command is not, and will never be, a fertile ground for smugglers.” He also informed that items like marijuana would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation, underscoring inter-agency cooperation.

On revenue generation, the Seme Area Command , the controller pointed generated revenue totaling ₦1,593,676,123.26 in May and June 2025, reflecting a strong drive to curb revenue leakages and ensure all due funds are remitted to the Federal Government.

Speaking on export and trade facilitation
Within the review period, the command, he noted facilitated the export of Nigerian goods as follows: indicator quantity/value
Number of Export Trucks 1,837
Total Tonnage 116,723.26MT
FOB Value ₦22,368,388,976.10
NESS Fees ₦111,841,944.87
This reflects the Command’s role in supporting the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda through non-oil exports.

Truck laden with contrabands seized by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command.

The Area Controller commended both his personnel and other supporting agencies, particularly the military, for their efforts and reinforced the Command’s gratitude for recent resource allocations, including 12 new patrol vehicles. He assured that the Lagos-Abidjan corridor remains secure for legitimate traders and warned those engaged in illegal activities of strict enforcement measures.

Comptroller Oramalugo reiterated the NCS Seme Area Command’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests, promoting lawful trade, and tightening border security for a stronger, more prosperous nation.