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| Nigeria Customs Service Officers |
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has made a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations, intercepting five trucks loaded with 2,800 bags of foreign parboiled rice, cannabis, and other illegal goods worth a staggering N1.2 billion.
The seizure, announced by Customs Area Controller Dr. Benedict Oramalugo, underscores the agency’s relentless efforts to curb illegal trade along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.
During a press briefing at the Joint Border Post in Seme, Dr. Oramalugo revealed that the seizures occurred between July 1 and 19, 2025, following actionable intelligence. The intercepted trucks contained 50kg bags of smuggled foreign rice and 250 bales of used clothing, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N919.5 million.
In addition, between May and June 2025, the command confiscated more contraband, including cannabis sativa, sugar, flour, tomato ketchup, a boat with an engine, and used shoes. The total DPV for all seized items within this period reached N1.26 billion, marking a significant blow to smuggling networks.
Dr. Oramalugo reiterated the Federal Government’s ban on rice imports via land borders, emphasizing its role in boosting local rice production. Despite Nigeria being Africa’s top rice producer, smuggling continues to hurt domestic mills, forcing them to operate below capacity.
"We will not tolerate economic sabotage," he declared, warning smugglers that the Seme Command remains vigilant. The seized cannabis will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
Beyond anti-smuggling efforts, the Seme Command reported strong revenue performance, collecting N1.59 billion between May and June 2025. The command also facilitated 1,837 export trucks carrying 116,723 metric tonnes of goods, with a Free on Board (FOB) value of N22.36 billion.
Dr. Oramalugo credited the success to improved surveillance, including 12 newly allocated patrol vehicles, and praised the Nigerian military and security agencies for their support.