Customs Generates N847m, Intercepts Hard Drugs, Foreign Currencies At Seme Border

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded significant achievements in its operations between March 14 and May 13, 2025, generating over N847 million in revenue and seizing hard drugs and other contraband valued at N622 million.

This was disclosed on Wednesday during a media briefing held at the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake.

Addressing journalists, the Customs Area Comptroller, Controller Ben Oramalugo, highlighted the Command’s unwavering commitment to revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling.

He noted that for April alone, the Command generated N847.05m, a feat attributed to the professionalism and dedication of officers and efforts to block all revenue leakages.

In line with the Federal Government’s economic diversification drive through non-oil exports, the Command facilitated the movement of 2,029 trucks carrying over 88,036 metric tonnes of made-in-Nigeria goods, with a Free On Board (FOB) value of N16.9 billion. The National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees from these exports stood at N84.5 million, underscoring the Command’s role in supporting local industries and boosting the economy.

On anti-smuggling operations, Comptroller Oramalugo revealed a series of successful interceptions, including two major seizures of foreign coins suspected of being smuggled into the country.

“The first occurred on March 28 when operatives intercepted a motorcyclist who abandoned a bag containing various foreign coins including 49 pieces of Two-Dollar coins, 1,048 One-Pound coins, and hundreds of other British and Canadian coins. A similar seizure was made on April 1 involving a Mazda vehicle loaded with assorted foreign coins. Both seizures are valued at N48,975,281 and fall under items prohibited by the Common External Tariff.

“In a more sensitive operation, on May 9, Customs operatives intercepted a red Toyota Avensis conveying six canisters of corrosive mercury suspected to be components of an improvised explosive device.

The mercury was concealed beneath cartons of the Holy Qur’an, and one suspect was arrested in connection with the case.”

“Further seizures during the two months included 553 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 1,415 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 750 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 30 cartons of tobacco, 50 cartons of tomato ketchup, one boat and engine, 50 bales of second-hand clothing, five vehicles used as means of conveyance, and various unregistered pharmaceutical products including 420 bottles of CA-C100 Vitamin C and Haldol injections.”

“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seizures made during the period stood at N669,785,236.”

Comptroller Oramalugo stated that the seized drugs and hazardous items would be handed over to relevant sister agencies for further investigation and prosecution, in line with inter-agency collaboration.

“In a related development, on 9th May 2025, our operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a red Toyota Avensis with registration number GGB 667 JL along the Badagry-Lagos expressway. The vehicle was found to be conveying Six canisters of corrosive mercury, suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), concealed beneath Five cartons of the Holy Qur’an. One suspect was arrested in connection with this seizure.

“In line with our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, we shall be handing over the seized Cannabis Sativa and Corrosive Mercury suspected to be IEDs and unregistered pharmaceuticals to the relevant agencies for discreet investigative action and possible prosecution. This also highlights our readiness to work with sister agencies in safeguarding national security.

Speaking at the briefing, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Austines Ojojo, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive approach and strong inter-agency cooperation. He assured that the NDLEA would ensure the confiscated hard drugs do not find their way back into public circulation.