CUSTOMS: Seme Command Nets Over N9b, Nab Smugglers With N501m Banned Items

The  Seme Area Command, of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has disclosed that it collected a total of N9,798,938,969 ( a 448% increase) compared to N2,188,405,749 recorded in the corresponding period of 2025 even its intensified, intelligence driven operations and anti-smuggling diligence, led to the seizure of cannabis, codeine-based syrups and other prohibited goods valued at N501.8 million.

 

Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, the Customs Area Controller,  CAC, of the command,    announced this on Monday during a chat with newsmen at the Command.

“From March 2026 to date, the Command generated a total revenue of N9,798,938,969. This represents an increase of N7 ,610,533,220 when compared to the sum of N2,188,405,749 collected within the corresponding period in 2025. The figure translates to an impressive growth rate of 448 percent,” Controller Kaila  said.

He attributed the improved revenue performance to strengthened compliance mechanisms, improved stakeholder cooperation, intensified anti-revenue leakage measures, and the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System.

Kaila added that renewed vigilance by officers and enhanced operational efficiency also contributed significantly to the growth.

Added to the rise in revenue, the command intensified enforcement operations along the Seme-Badagry corridor, leading to the interception of illicit drugs and other contrabands.

“Within the last three months, coordinated patrols and surveillance operations resulted in the interception of several prohibited and restricted items. Notably, the Command seized 1,000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic substance prohibited under the law” the  Seme CAC stated.

Comptroller Kaila further disclosed that within the period, the  command also intercepted unregistered pharmaceutical products, including codeine-based cough syrups and sexual enhancement drugs without approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

“These products contravene the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. The seized items will be handed over to relevant regulatory agencies for further action,” he said.

Kaila listed the seized pharmaceutical products to include cartons of Ultimate Plus Maca Syrup, 99 Bullets Herbal Medicine, Sildenafil Citrate-based products, Tramaking and Tempendol just as 2,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 340 kegs of vegetable oil, 103 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 993 cartons of spaghetti, and 250 bales of used clothing, (with Duty Paid Value, DPV, of  N501.8 million) were also seized from smugglers within the Seme axis.

“These seizures underscore the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against smuggling and reaffirm our determination to protect the nation’s economy, support local industries, preserve public health and enforce compliance with extant regulations,” Kaila stated.

In a stern, uncompromising tone, Kiala warned smugglers and their cohorts to steer clear of unapproved trade routes; insisting that  that the Seme Command has strengthened intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, inter-agency collaboration and improved partnership with stakeholders within its area of jurisdiction.

“To compliant traders and legitimate business operators, I wish to reiterate that compliance remains the safest and most cost-effective pathway for international trade, but those whose chose the path of illegalities will suffer irreversible economic loses and pains” the Seme Customs boss said.

While commending officers and men of the command for their professionalism and resilience, the CAC also thanked the CGC for his support and leadership even as he gave kudos to stakeholders and host communities for their support and  cooperation.

 

In line with the Customs Act,  we shall not relent as protection of citizens against illicit traders and influx of contrabands is a priority, kaila reiterated,