The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted contraband worth *₦365,163,709* in Duty Paid Value, including 1,306 sacks of expired noodles, explosives, illicit drugs, and smuggled vehicles.
The Area Controller, *Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila*, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Command in Seme Border, Badagry, Lagos State.
Kaila said the seizures were a result of intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies aimed at protecting Nigerians from economic saboteurs and health hazards.
Public Health Threat Foiled
According to him, officers intercepted a truck falsely declared as carrying food items. Upon examination, they discovered *1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles*, each 50kg, already decomposing.
Intelligence revealed the plan was to repackage and sell them to unsuspecting consumers.
“Had this shipment succeeded, countless families would have been exposed to food poisoning and other life-threatening complications. Border security is also public health protection,” Kaila stated.
The Command also seized 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice smuggled through illegal routes, which he said undermines government’s agricultural policy and local rice production.
Drugs, Explosives and Security Threats
In the fight against illicit substances, the 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*
Kaila described the drugs as dangerous products linked to cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
In what he called the most critical seizure, officers also intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosives being illegally conveyed through the border. The explosives, along with one suspect, have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for further investigation.
Other seizures include 1 used speedboat, 1 water bike, and 3 used vehicles: Toyota Land Cruiser 2017, Toyota RAV4 2016, and Nissan Versa 2010.
The illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceuticals will be handed over to NDLEA and NAFDAC.
Revenue Surge
Beyond enforcement, Kaila said the Command recorded significant revenue growth.
In 2025, Seme generated ₦15.94 billion. Between January and July 2026, it has already generated ₦19.84 billion surpassing the entire 2025 collection by ₦3.89 billion, representing a 24.45% increase.
“This shows that enforcement and trade facilitation go hand in hand. While we deny smugglers access, we are also creating an enabling environment for compliant traders under AfCFTA,” he said.
Kaila commended officers of the Command and sister agencies for their dedication and urged the media to continue partnering with Customs to promote transparency.
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