By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, NIGERIA — In a blow to cross-border smuggling syndicates, operatives of the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted a massive haul of contraband goods valued at an estimated N365.16 million.
The staggering seizure highlighted by 1,306 bags of decomposing, expired noodles and 3,300 live cartridges of explosive materials underscores the relentless security threats facing Nigeria’s transit corridors and the vigilant stance of national border authorities.
The breakthrough was officially announced by the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, during a high-profile press briefing held at the command headquarters in Seme, Badagry.
Detailing the operations, Comptroller Kaila revealed that the monumental seizures were the direct result of proactive, intelligence-driven anti-smuggling tactics designed to choke off illicit supply chains before harmful goods could infiltrate domestic markets.
Among the most alarming discoveries was a cargo truck that attempted to bypass security under a fraudulent manifest.
"The expired noodles were discovered in a truck that had been deceptively declared as carrying legitimate food items," Comptroller Kaila stated.
"Upon physical examination, our officers found 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, with some already deteriorated, infested, and visibly decomposing."
Health experts have repeatedly warned that the consumption of such expired food waste poses severe public health risks, ranging from acute food poisoning to long-term organ damage.
Equally concerning was the interception of 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials, which posed an immediate and catastrophic threat to national security. Confirming the handoff, Kaila noted that the dangerous ordnance had been immediately transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for secure custody and a comprehensive forensic investigation.
Beyond the hazardous food and explosives, the Seme Area Command's comprehensive sweep netted a wide array of prohibited and regulated items destined for illegal distribution. The inventory includes: 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 373 parcels of illicit Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramaking (250mg) 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol (250mg), 310,000 sticks of Time and Yes cigarettes.
Comptroller Kaila emphasized that these aggressive operations reflect the command’s unyielding commitment to safeguarding public health, protecting citizens from dangerous consumables, and defending the nation's territorial integrity.
"These seizures demonstrate the command’s unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting public health, and preventing prohibited and dangerous items from gaining entry into the country," Kaila affirmed.
In tandem with its stringent anti-smuggling triumphs, the Seme Command also posted impressive financial milestones. Kaila revealed that the command generated N19.84 billion in revenue during the review period, marking a significant surge compared to the N15.94 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
He credited this revenue growth to heightened compliance enforcement, robust intelligence-led operations, and a collaborative ethos among sister security and regulatory agencies.
In accordance with the statutory provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, all intercepted consignments and seized non-hazardous goods have been handed over to relevant regulatory and law enforcement partners for appropriate legal action and disposal.