The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted explosives, narcotics, expired food products and other prohibited goods. These were seized in a series of operations targeting smuggling and cross-border crime. Significantly, this crackdown forms part of ongoing efforts regarding Seme Border seizure initiatives.
According to Vanguard, the command’s Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, disclosed the seizures while briefing stakeholders at the border. He said sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations helped officers uncover the consignments, exemplifying how Seme Border seizure strategies continue to disrupt criminal networks.
Among the items seized were 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles weighing 50 kilogrammes each. Customs said some of the products were already deteriorating. Also, they were allegedly being prepared for repackaging and sale to unsuspecting consumers.
“Had this shipment succeeded, countless families would have been exposed to serious health hazards ranging from food poisoning and gastrointestinal diseases to other life-threatening medical complications,” Kaila said, highlighting the public health importance of each Seme Border seizure.
Customs seizes rice, narcotics and cigarettes
The command also intercepted 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg. Customs said these had been brought into the country through illegal routes. This is another clear example of Seme Border seizure efforts in action.
Officers further recovered 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramaking 250mg and 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg.
Another 310,000 sticks of Time and Yes cigarettes were also seized during the operations.
Kaila warned that the intercepted items posed wider risks beyond revenue losses.
“These are not ordinary commodities; they are dangerous products capable of destroying lives, fuelling criminality, encouraging substance abuse and undermining the future of our young people,” he said.
3,300 cartridges handed to police
Customs also disclosed the interception of 3,300 cartridges, which the command described as explosive materials.
Kaila said such items could pose serious security threats if they fell into criminal hands. This is particularly worrying amid concerns over terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
The materials were subsequently handed over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force for safe custody. They were also given for further investigation.
Seme Command revenue rises to N19.8bn
Beyond the seizures, the command said its revenue collection also increased during the first seven months of 2026.
Kaila disclosed that the Seme Border Command generated N19.8 billion between January and July. This compares with N15.9 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The increase represents a 24.45 per cent rise in revenue.
Customs said it would continue intelligence gathering and border surveillance. These are part of efforts to curb the movement of banned goods and other illicit activities along the Seme corridor, showing that Seme Border seizure operations will remain a key focus moving forward.
