Seme Command Seizes N365M Worth Of Toxic Noodles, Drugs, Explosives, Hits ₦19.8BN Revenue
Seme Command Seizes N365M Worth Of Toxic Noodles, Drugs, Explosives, Hits ₦19.8BN Revenue
…Comptroller Kaila: “Seme is no longer a safe corridor for economic sabotage”
By Success Okezie
The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations with the interception of prohibited goods valued at _₦365,163,709_ in Duty Paid Value. The seizures include expired noodles, illicit drugs, cigarettes, and explosive materials.
The Customs Area Controller, _Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila_, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, Seme Border.
Comptroller Kaila said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance which led officers to intercept a truck falsely declared to be conveying food items. Upon examination, officers discovered _1,306 sacks of expired and decomposing noodles_, each weighing 50kg.
“This discovery was deeply disturbing. Intelligence revealed that the plan was to repackage and relabel these toxic products for sale to unsuspecting Nigerians.
Had we not intercepted it, millions of families would have been exposed to food poisoning, gastrointestinal diseases and other life-threatening health complications. This operation proves that border security is public health protection,” the CAC stated.
In separate coordinated operations across flashpoints within the Command’s jurisdiction, officers also intercepted _1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice_, 50kg each, smuggled through illegal routes.
Comptroller Kaila noted that such smuggling not only deprives government of revenue but also undermines Federal Government policies on agriculture, discourages local rice production, and threatens the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.
On drugs and dangerous substances, the Command seized:
– _373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa_
– _90 packs of Tramaking 250mg_
– _69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg_
– _310,000 sticks of Time/Yes cigarettes_
“These substances destroy lives, fuel cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes. They undermine the future of our youths. Smuggled cigarettes also evade health regulations and statutory duties,” Kaila warned.
In a critical security intervention, officers also intercepted _3,300 cartridges of explosive materials_ being illegally conveyed through the border corridor.
The CAC described the explosives as capable of facilitating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. He confirmed that the explosives and one suspect have been handed over to the _Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit_ for safe custody and further investigation.
Other items seized include _1 used speedboat, 1 used water bike, 1 Toyota Land Cruiser 2017, 1 Toyota RAV4 2016, and 1 Nissan Versa 2010_.
“To those engaged in smuggling, let this serve as notice. Seme is no longer a safe corridor for economic sabotage,” Comptroller Kaila declared.
The CAC also announced a remarkable revenue performance. Seme Command generated _₦19,840,280,788.50_ between January and July 2026.
This surpasses the entire 2025 collection of _₦15,941,258,676.01_ by_₦3,899,022,112.49_, representing a _24.45% increase_ within just 7 months. “This shows that effective enforcement and trade facilitation go hand in hand. We remain committed to creating an enabling environment for compliant traders,” he said.
The seized drugs and unregistered pharmaceuticals will be handed over to _NDLEA_ and _NAFDAC_ for further investigation, while the Command continues to support FG economic reforms, AfCFTA trade, and border security.
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