The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted contraband goods valued at ₦365,163,709, including explosives, expired food products, illicit drugs, smuggled rice, vehicles and other prohibited items.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, disclosed this on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Seme Border, Badagry, Lagos State.
He said the seizures underscore the Service’s commitment to safeguarding national security, protecting public health, facilitating legitimate trade and supporting the Federal Government’s economic reforms.
One of the major seizures was a truck falsely declared to be carrying food items. Upon examination, officers discovered 1,306 sacks of expired and decomposing noodles, each weighing 50kg.
Comptroller Kaila said intelligence revealed the products were intended to be repackaged and sold to unsuspecting consumers across Nigeria. He warned the expired noodles posed severe public health risks, including food poisoning and gastrointestinal diseases.
In separate operations, officers also intercepted 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 50kg each. The Command said the illegal importation undermines local rice production and the Federal Government’s agricultural policies.
The Command also intercepted narcotics and harmful substances, including:
- 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa
- 90 packs of Tramaking 250mg
- *69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg
- 310,000 sticks of Time/Yes cigarettes
Comptroller Kaila stated that the drugs are commonly associated with cultism, armed robbery and violent crimes.
In one of the most significant seizures, the Command intercepted, 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials illegally transported through the Seme corridor. The explosives, along with one suspect, have been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, Unit for further investigation.
Other items seized include one used speedboat, one used water bike, one 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser, one 2016 Toyota RAV4 and one 2010 Nissan Versa.
Beyond enforcement, the Controller said the Command generated ₦15.94 billion in 2025. Between January and July 2026, it has already collected ₦19.84 billion, representing a 24.45% increase and ₦3.9 billion more than the total for the entire previous year.
He attributed the growth to improved compliance, operational efficiency and stronger collaboration with legitimate traders.
Comptroller Kaila said the illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals would be handed over to the NDLEA and NAFDAC, while the explosives remain with the Police.
“Seme is no longer a safe corridor for economic sabotage,” he warned.
He reaffirmed NCS commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic reform agenda and facilitating legitimate trade under AfCFTA.