Seme Customs Command’s anti-smuggling crusade yields ₦1.27b seizures, enhanced patrol capacity

“Seme Area Command is not, and will never be, a fertile ground for smugglers”

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has made a significant impact in anti-smuggling efforts, seizing contraband worth ₦1,268,794,474.00k and generating ₦1,593,676,123.26k in revenue between May and June 2025.

Comptroller Ben Oramalugo PHD, Area Controller of Seme Customs Command attributed the success to credible intelligence, coordinated enforcement strategies and recent allocation of 12 patrol vehicles to the command, highlighting the command’s commitment to enforcing customs regulations and protecting national economic interests.

On anti- smuggling, Oramalugo said, or the past two weeks, between the 1st July and 19th July 2025, the operatives of the Command acting on credible intelligence and coordinated enforcement strategies, successfully intercepted and seized a total of 5 trucks laden with smuggled goods along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.

The trucks were found to contain a total of  2,800 Seme Area Command is not, and will never be, a fertile ground for smugglers. parboiled rice 50Kg each, and 250 bales of second –hand clothing.

The Duty Paid Value of the seized rice and the means of conveyance (trucks) is ₦919,500,626.00k.

According to the controller, notable seizures during the period include: 898 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), 1,319 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), Forty (40) bags of Sugar (50kg each), Sixty-Four (64) bags of Flour (50kg each), Fifty (50) cartons of Ketchup Tomato, One (1) boat and engine, Twenty (20) bales of second-hand clothing, Four (4) bales of used shoes.

(5) The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seizures during the period under review is ₦1,268,794,474.00k only.

“This operation is a testament to the vigilance, resilience, and doggedness of the officers and men of the Seme Area Command, as well as the collaborative support from other security agencies, particularly the Nigerian military.

“As you are aware, the federal government of Nigeria has placed a ban on the importation of rice through land borders to protect our rice farmers and millers and reduce dependency on imported rice. Nigeria is the highest producer of rice in Africa, with an annual output exceeding 8 million metric tonnes, surpassing Egypt and Tanzania. However, our rice mills continue to face challenges due to insufficient patronage, which hampers their ability to operate at full capacity. This ban is a strategic measure to boost local production and ensure the sustainability of our agricultural sector.

“Regrettably, some unpatriotic elements persist in engaging in illegal importation, undermining the nation’s economic growth. Let me make it unequivocally clear that the Seme Area Command is not, and will never be, a fertile ground for smugglers. These monumental seizures send a strong message to those involved in illicit activities that the operatives of the Command remain resolute, equipped, and prepared to enforce the Federal Government’s fiscal policies with unwavering determination.

“In the spirit of inter-agency collaboration, some of the seized items, particularly the marijuana, will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for discreet investigation and further action. This underscores our commitment to working closely with sister agencies to ensure the security and well-being of our nation.”

In the area of revenue generation, he revealed, “I am pleased to announce that the Seme Area Command, through commitment and professionalism, generated Total revenue of One Billion, Five Hundred and Ninety-Three Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Three Naira, Twenty-Six Kobo (₦1,593,676,123.26k) for the months of May and June 2025. This achievement reflects our sustained efforts at ensuring that all revenue leakages are blocked, and every legitimate kobo due to the Federal Government is collected without compromise.

On export and trade facilitation, he said,  “In line with the Federal Government’s agenda on economic diversification through non-oil exports, the Command facilitated the movement of One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Seven (1,837) trucks, equivalent to over One Hundred and Sixteen Thousand metric tonnes (116,723.26MT) of made-in-Nigeria goods. These exports had a Free On Board (FOB) ₦22,368,388,976.10k only. While the National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees stood at  ₦111,841,944.87K only.

He went further to say, I must commend the principal officers and the entire Officers and men of the Seme Area Command for their unrelenting efforts in combating smuggling. Their dedication, coupled with the support of other security agencies, particularly the military, has been instrumental in these successes. When situations escalate, the military’s reinforcement has proven invaluable, and we remain grateful for their partnership.

“I also extend our appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and his Management Team for their unwavering support. The recent allocation of 12 patrol vehicles to the Seme Area Command has significantly enhanced our capacity to patrol and secure the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, and the results of this investment are evident in the seizures we are showcasing today.

“To Nigerians and legitimate traders, I assure you that the Lagos-Abidjan corridor remains safe and conducive for lawful trade. However, to those who engage in illegal activities, let me sound a clear warning: steer clear of this corridor, as the Seme Area Command will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law upon you. We remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests, fostering legitimate trade, and ensuring the security of our borders. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.”