Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has dealt a devastating blow to smuggling networks operating along the country's western frontier, intercepting a massive haul of contraband that included 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials, 1,306 sacks of expired and decomposing noodles, and a significant cache of illicit drugs, with a combined Duty Paid Value of N365.16 million. The seizures, which also included 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 310,000 sticks of smuggled cigarettes, and several vehicles and watercraft, were announced on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, at a press briefing in the border town of Seme, Badagry, Lagos State.
The most alarming of the seizures was the interception of a truck that had been deceptively declared as carrying food items. Acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, Customs officers subjected the consignment to a thorough examination and uncovered 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilogrammes. "What was discovered was deeply disturbing because many of the products had already deteriorated and were visibly decomposing," Kaila told journalists. "Intelligence further revealed that the intention was to repackage, relabel and introduce these products into Nigerian markets for unsuspecting consumers". The comptroller warned that the shipment posed a grave public health risk, as the expired noodles could have caused food poisoning, gastrointestinal diseases and other life-threatening complications had they reached consumers.
Beyond the health hazard posed by the expired food, the Command also intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials being illegally conveyed through the border corridor, reportedly originating from Ghana. "Explosives of this nature have devastating consequences when they fall into the hands of criminal elements," Kaila said. "They have the potential to facilitate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes capable of threatening national peace and security". He stressed that the successful interception of the explosives demonstrated the vigilance, professionalism and intelligence-driven operations of the officers, who worked in close collaboration with sister security agencies. Given the sensitive nature of the seizure, the explosives were immediately handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for safe custody and further investigation. At least one suspect was also arrested in connection with the haul.
In the fight against illicit drugs and harmful substances, the Command reported the interception of 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramaking 250mg, 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg and 310,000 sticks of Time/Yes cigarettes. Kaila described these items as dangerous products capable of destroying lives, fuelling criminality and encouraging substance abuse. "The illicit drugs intercepted are often linked to cultism, armed robbery, violent crimes and other social vices, while smuggled cigarettes evade health regulations, avoid payment of statutory duties and expose consumers to products outside approved quality standards," he stated. The illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products will be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and necessary action.
The enforcement drive also extended to agricultural smuggling. The Command intercepted 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, smuggled into the country through illegal routes. Kaila noted that such illicit importation not only deprives the government of legitimate revenue but also undermines the Federal Government's agricultural policies, discourages local rice production and threatens the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers. Other items seized included one used speedboat, one used water bike, a 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser, a 2016 Toyota RAV4 and a 2010 Nissan Versa.
Beyond the seizures, the Seme Area Command recorded a significant increase in revenue. Between January and July 2026, the Command generated N19.84 billion, surpassing its entire 2025 collection of N15.94 billion by N3.899 billion, representing a 24.45 per cent increase. Kaila attributed the improved revenue performance to enhanced compliance, stronger stakeholder engagement, improved operational efficiency and intensified enforcement against smuggling. "Effective enforcement and efficient trade facilitation are complementary responsibilities," he said, stressing that the Command would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while denying smugglers opportunities to undermine the economy.
The Seme border, a major gateway between Nigeria and Benin Republic, has long been a hotspot for smuggling, with criminal networks exploiting its porous nature to move contraband ranging from expired goods to weapons. The latest seizures underscore the Customs Service's growing capacity to disrupt these networks through intelligence-led operations. The Command's success in preventing the expired noodles from entering the market is particularly significant, as it highlights the intersection of border enforcement and public health protection. "By intercepting these products, the Nigeria Customs Service has once again demonstrated that border security is also a form of public health protection," Kaila declared. "Every child, every family and every Nigerian has been protected from what could have become a silent public health disaster". As the Seme Command continues its crackdown, the message to smugglers is clear: the era of impunity at Nigeria's borders is rapidly coming to an end.
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