Customs Intercept Cartridges Of Explosives From Ghana, Expired Noodles At Seme Border

Less than one week after the Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted 399 fully assembled Jojef firearms and 535 assorted rifle parts, the Seme border Command announced on Tuesday the seizure of 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials being illegally conveyed from Ghana.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Compt. Abdullahi Kaila, also stated that the command intercepted 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilograms.

According to the Customs boss, every child, family and Nigerian has been protected from what could have become a silent public health disaster, saying border security is also a form of public health protection.

“Our officers intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials being illegally conveyed through the border corridor. Explosives of this nature have devastating consequences when they fall into the hands of criminal elements.

“They have the potential to facilitate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes capable of threatening national peace and security. The successful interception of these explosives demonstrates the vigilance, professionalism, and intelligence-driven operations of our officers, who work in close collaboration with sister security agencies.

He, however, stated that the explosive materials have already been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for safe custody and further investigation.

Speaking on the intercepted noodles, Compt. Kaila stated that many of the products had already deteriorated and were visibly decomposing.

He said intelligence indicated that the products were allegedly intended to be repackaged and relabelled for sale to unsuspecting consumers in Nigeria.

“Following credible intelligence, officers of the Seme Area Command intercepted a truck that was deceptively declared to be carrying food items. Acting on intelligence and sustained surveillance, our officers subjected the consignment to thorough examination and uncovered 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilograms.

“What was discovered was deeply disturbing because many of the products had already deteriorated and were visibly decomposing. Intelligence further revealed that the intention was to repackage, relabel and introduce these products into Nigerian markets for unsuspecting consumers.

“Had this shipment succeeded, countless families would have been exposed to serious health hazards ranging from food poisoning and gastrointestinal diseases to other life-threatening medical complications.

“By intercepting these products, the Nigeria Customs Service has once again demonstrated that border security is also a form of public health protection. Every child, every family and every Nigerian has been protected from what could have become a silent public health disaster.”

The Command also seized 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, weighing 50 kilogrammes each, which were smuggled into the country through illegal routes.

Kaila said the illegal importation not only deprived the government of legitimate revenue but also undermined local rice production and the Federal Government’s agricultural policies.

In the area of illicit drugs and harmful substances, the Command intercepted 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramaking 250mg, 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg and 310,000 sticks of Time/Yes cigarettes.

The Customs boss said the seizures had disrupted illicit supply chains and prevented dangerous substances and unregulated products from reaching Nigerian communities.

He added that the illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products would be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and necessary action.

Other items seized by the Command include one used speedboat, one used water bike, one 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser, one 2016 Toyota RAV4 and one 2010 Nissan Versa.

Kaila warned smugglers and other economic saboteurs that the Command had intensified intelligence-driven operations and would continue to collaborate with sister security agencies to frustrate criminal activities along the border corridor.

“To those engaged in smuggling activities, our message remains unequivocal: Seme is no longer a safe corridor for economic sabotage,” he said.

He said the Command remained committed to supporting the Federal Government’s economic reforms, facilitating compliant trade and promoting regional commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Customs Boss said the Command generated N19.84 billion revenue between January and July 2026, representing a 24.45 per cent increase over the N15.94 billion collected in the entire 2025 fiscal year.

The Command also intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials being illegally conveyed through the Seme border corridor, alongside expired food products, illicit drugs, foreign rice and other prohibited items with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N365.16 million.

The Seme Area Controller, Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, disclosed this yesterday during a press briefing at the Seme Border in Badagry, Lagos State.

Kaila said the Command generated N15.94billion in 2025, but recorded N19.84billion in revenue within the first seven months of 2026.

According to him, the latest figure means the Command has already surpassed its full-year 2025 revenue by N3.899 billion, representing a 24.45 per cent increase.

He attributed the improved revenue performance to enhanced compliance, stronger stakeholder engagement, improved operational efficiency and intensified enforcement against smuggling.

“Effective enforcement and efficient trade facilitation are complementary responsibilities,” Kaila said, stressing that the Command would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while denying smugglers opportunities to undermine the economy.

On enforcement, the Customs Area Controller disclosed that officers intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials being illegally conveyed through the border corridor.

He said the seizure represented a significant national security intervention, given the potential of such materials to facilitate violent crimes if they fell into the hands of criminal elements.

Due to the sensitive nature of the seizure, Kaila said the explosive materials, alongside one suspect, had already been handed over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force for safe custody and further investigation.

The Command also intercepted 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, following credible intelligence and surveillance.

Kaila said the truck carrying the consignment had been deceptively declared as conveying food items, but thorough examination by Customs officers revealed the expired noodles.

He said intelligence indicated that the products were allegedly intended to be repackaged and relabelled for sale to unsuspecting consumers in Nigeria.