The Seme Border Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service insists that a misleading report against its officers and men remain untrue
By Edu Abade
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has refuted claims of misconduct of its officers and men along the Badagry-Krake corridor, insisting that in spite of the challenges, the officers remain committed to seamless trade facilitation and robust revenue generation.
A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Seme Area Command, Isah Sulaiman, a Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC), said, “The attention of the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has been drawn to a misleading publication circulating online, making unfounded claims about the conduct of officers along the Seme corridor.
“The Command categorically disassociates itself from the said report and urged members of the public to disregard it in its entirety. Since the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Wale Adenuga assumed office in September 2025, enforcement activities along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor have been significantly strengthened through enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Military and other sister security agencies.”
Adenuga explained that the reactivation of the Joint Border Security Meeting (JBSM) has further reinforced joint operations aimed at curbing smuggling and that as enforcement intensifies during the yuletide season, the Command is aware that individuals whose illegal activities have been disrupted may resort to misinformation and sensational reporting.
“While these attempts are unsurprising, they will not distract the Command from carrying out its lawful duties. And for clarity, from September 9, 2025 to date, the Command recorded the seizure of over 4,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to approximately seven trailer loads), Five trailer loads of expired flour, endangered species (Lion Cub and Patas Monkeys) over 2,000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marjuana), among other seizures. These results reflect the renewed operational drive to protect Nigeria’s economic interests,” the statement further reads.
The Command also clarified that under the leadership of Comptroller Adenuga, the revenue of the Command has improved significantly, rising from average of 500 and 600 million Naira monthly revenue collection to over ₦1.5 billion in September and exceeding ₦2.5 billion in October; an increase of over 300 percent.
It stressed that the growth in revenue is attributed to blocked leakages, strengthened enforcement, and enhanced facilitation of legitimate trade, while maintaining that the Seme Area Command reaffirms its commitment to professionalism, transparency and zero tolerance for corruption or misconduct.
“With the continuous support of the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Management Team, the Command will sustain its efforts in safeguarding national security, enforcing compliance and facilitating lawful trade through the Lagos-Abidjan corridor,” it added.
