In its commitment to operational excellence and fight against smuggling, the Seme Border Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) achieves what it describes as ‘star’ seizures made possible by credible intelligence sharing and the doggedness of the command’s men and officers
By Edu Abade
In its bid to continue to deliver on its mandate of quashing anti-smuggling activities, the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed that its men and officers intercepted and seized five trucks laden with smuggled goods including 2,800 foreign parboiled rice of 50Kg each and 250 bales of used clothing items along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.
Customs Area Controller (CAC), Seme Area Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo PhD, made the revelation at a media briefing on the operational activities of the Command from May 14, 2025 to July 24, 2025 at the ECOWAS Complex, Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake Border on Thursday, July 24, 2025
He explained that in the past two weeks, between July 1, 2025 and July 19, 2025, the operatives of the Command, who acted on credible intelligence and coordinated enforcement strategies, successfully intercepted the contraband items, which also include sizable amounts of Cannabis Sativa, otherwise called Indian hemp.
Providing further details of the seizures, he said the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized rice and the trucks amounted to N919.5 million, and that other notable seizures during the period include 898 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), 1,319 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 40 bags of Sugar (50kg each), 64 bags of Flour (50kg each), 50) cartons of Ketchup Tomato, One boat and engine, (20 bales of second-hand clothing and four bales of used shoes
“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seizures during the period under review N1.268 billion. 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 military.
“As you are aware, the Federal Government has banned 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 tons, 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,” he stated.
Comptroller Oramalugo, who lamented that some unpatriotic elements were bent on engaging in illegal importations aimed at undermining the nation’s economic growth, restated 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,” he said.
On revenue generation, he revealed that the Seme Area Command, through commitment and professionalism, generated ₦1.593 billion for May and June 2025, adding that the achievement reflects the Command’s sustained efforts at ensuring that all revenue leakages are blocked and every legitimate kobo due to the Federal Government collected without compromise.
Also delivering the Command’s scorecard on export and trade facilitation for the period under review, he noted that in line with the Federal Government’s agenda on economic diversification through non-oil exports, the Command facilitated the movement of 1,837 trucks, equivalent of over 116,723.26 metric tons of made-in-Nigeria goods.
These exports witnessed a Free On Board (FOB) value of ₦22.368 billion, while the National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees stood at ₦111.841 million.
While commending the officers and men of the Seme Area Command for their unrelenting efforts in combating smuggling, he said their dedication, coupled with the support of other security agencies, particularly the military, has been instrumental in the successes so far recorded.
He applauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his Management Team for their unwavering support, adding, “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.”
Comptroller Oramalugo further assured Nigerians and legitimate traders that the Lagos-Abidjan corridor remains safe and conducive for lawful trade, but urged those who engage in illegal activities to steer clear of the Seme Area Command corridor as it will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law upon them.
Meanwhile, the Controller gave out copies of the second edition of his book, “Customs Administration in Nigeria” to journalists and all those present during the tour of the intercepted items, urging them to read it from cover to cover in order to better understand the workings of the Service.
Speaking earlier at the launch on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Oramalugo described the book as “more than an assemblage of chapters” but rather a product of years of professional experience, academic research, and policy engagement.
He said the revised edition responds to emerging challenges in customs operations, integrates ongoing reforms under Adeniyi’s the leadership of the Customs and aligns with global standards in trade facilitation, as well as security and border management.
“The dynamism of global trade, the rise of digital customs, and the expanding role of Customs in national security all demand a scholarly response,” the CAC noted. “This book aspires to offer a practical framework for understanding, navigating, and improving customs systems in Nigeria and similar jurisdictions.”
He emphasized the role of intellectual development in professional excellence, urging officers to embrace continuous learning as a core element of service. “A knowledgeable officer is a more effective officer. A disciplined mind is a catalyst for institutional excellence,” he added.
The event was graced by a wide array of dignitaries, including heads and representatives of various security and regulatory agencies operating at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post. Present were the Comptroller of Immigration, Joint Border Post; Comptroller of Immigration, Land Border Patrol; Director of the Department of State Services (DSS); Director of NAFDAC; Commander of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS); and representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Anti-Bomb Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Port Health Services, and key border stakeholders.
In their goodwill messages, the heads of agencies commended the Customs Area Controller for his intellectual contribution and for championing professionalism within the service. They also praised the ongoing transformation in the Nigeria Customs Service under the present administration, highlighting its growing relevance in economic development and national security.
Comptroller Oramalugo expressed deep appreciation to the reviewers, editors, and all who contributed to the successful publication of the book. He also acknowledged the support of the CGC and the management of the Service for fostering a culture of knowledge, discipline and reform.
The book, now in its second edition, is expected to serve as a reference for policymakers, academics, practitioners, and students engaged in customs and border governance across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
