The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has reported significant operational gains in its fight against smuggling and revenue leakages between March 14 and May 13, 2025. Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the Area Controller, disclosed this during a high-profile media briefing on May 14 at the ECOWAS Complex, Seme-Krake Border Post.
Highlighting the command’s achievements, Oramalugo revealed a remarkable revenue generation of ₦847 million in April alone, reinforcing the command’s dedication to national economic development and fiscal transparency.
In line with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda, the Seme Command also facilitated the export of over 88,000 metric tonnes of locally produced goods valued at nearly ₦17 billion, affirming its role as a key driver of non-oil trade.
Among the most notable enforcement actions was the interception of foreign coins worth ₦8.9 million—banned under Nigeria’s Common External Tariff—and the seizure of corrosive mercury, believed to be intended for use in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The hazardous material was cleverly concealed beneath cartons of the Holy Qur’an. One suspect was arrested in connection with the incident on May 9.
Other seizures recorded within the period included:
- 553 parcels of cannabis
- 1,415 bags of foreign rice
- 750 kegs of petroleum products
- Unregistered pharmaceutical items
- Smuggled vehicles
- Bales of second-hand clothing
The total duty-paid value of all confiscated goods was estimated at over ₦669 million.
Comptroller Oramalugo used the occasion to warn the public about scammers impersonating Customs officers to sell seized goods illegally on social media platforms. He emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service does not conduct auctions via WhatsApp, Facebook, or any unverified channels, urging citizens to only trust verified social media accounts with official blue ticks or direct communications from the Service.
“We remain fully committed to our mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling,” Oramalugo declared. “No amount of misinformation or mischief will deter us from securing our borders and protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.”
He further appealed to parents and guardians in border communities to educate their children on the dangers of smuggling and to discourage them from aiding criminal elements or obstructing law enforcement operations.
Commending his officers, he stated, “I want to applaud the dedication, professionalism, and integrity of the officers and men of the Seme Area Command. Your contributions are vital to national security.”
The event also featured the official handover of seized illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and unauthorized pharmaceuticals to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The briefing concluded with a reaffirmation of the command’s resolve to sustain its efforts in protecting Nigeria’s borders and economy.
