By Roland Ekama
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command has unveiled operational achievements from March 14 to May 13, 2025 under the Area Controller, Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo
Addressing journalists at a high-profile media briefing held on May 14, 2025, at the ECOWAS Complex, Seme-Krake Border post , Comptroller Oramalugo announced a staggering revenue haul of ₦847 million for April alone, underscoring the command’s relentless crackdown on revenue leakages and commitment to national development.
The Controller pointed out that in support of Nigeria’s economic diversification, the command facilitated the export of over 88,000 metric tonnes of Made-in-Nigeria goods valued at nearly ₦17 billion, reinforcing its role as a key trade enabler.

DAILY FOCUS NIGERIA further reports that the briefing further spotlighted dramatic anti-smuggling successes, including the interception of large quantities of foreign coins worth ₦8.9 million-prohibited under Nigeria’s Common External Tariff-and the seizure of corrosive mercury suspected to be components of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) hidden beneath cartons of the Holy Qur’an on May 9, with one suspect arrested.
According to him, additional seizures during the period included 553 parcels of cannabis, 1,415 bags of foreign rice, 750 kegs of petroleum, unregistered pharmaceuticals, vehicles, and second-hand clothing, with a total duty-paid value exceeding ₦669 million.
The command boss also warned the public against fraudsters impersonating customs officers to sell seized goods illegally on social media, affirming that all official communications come only through verified channels.
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The Customs top brass reiterated that “Let me use this opportunity to alert the general public on the activities of fraudsters who impersonate officers of the Seme Area Command, claiming to auction or sell vehicles. These scammers often operate via social media and other informal platforms. The Command dissociates itself from any such illegal activity.
“Please note that the Nigeria Customs Service does not sell or auction seized items via WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, or any unverified platforms. Only follow verified social media handles bearing the official blue tick or any communication directly from the Nigeria Customs Service.
In addition, he maintained that “We remain fully committed to our mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling. We shall not be deterred by mischief-makers or their propaganda. The Command will continue to work diligently in the interest of national economic development and security.
“Additionally, we appeal to parents and guardians residing in border communities to counsel their wards and youths to refrain from engaging in smuggling activities and to avoid being used as instruments to obstruct law enforcement officers in the discharge of their legitimate duties.

Comptroller Oramalugo praised his officers for their professionalism and urged community leaders to discourage youth involvement in smuggling, reaffirming the command’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and national security interests
The Customs boss, added that “I wish to commend the gallant officers and men of the Seme Area Command for their steadfastness, professionalism, and integrity. I also thank our stakeholders and partners, including the media, for your continued support and collaboration.”
Highpoints of the briefing was the handing over of the seized illicit drugs to officials of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and pharmaceutical products of the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) respectively.
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