Seme Customs intercept 3,300 cartridges, other contraband
August 12, 2026 12:08 am
By Anozie Egole
The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, said it intercepted 3,300 cartridges being illegally conveyed through the land borders into the country within the last two months.
The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Abdullahi Kaila, stated this while showcasing some of the seized contraband at the command on Tuesday. Kaila stressed that explosives of that nature have devastating consequences when they fall into the hands of criminal elements.
“Our officers intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials being illegally conveyed through the border corridor. Explosives of this nature have devastating consequences when they fall into the hands of criminal elements. They have the potential to facilitate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes capable of threatening national peace and security,” Kaila said.
He added that the successful interception of these explosives demonstrated the vigilance, professionalism and intelligence-driven operations of the officers, working in close collaboration with sister security agencies.
“Considering the sensitive nature of the seizure, the explosive materials have already been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for safe custody and further investigation,” he said.
Speaking on other interceptions, the CAC stressed that within the period under review, the command seized 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 highlighted that the seized items were not ordinary commodities, describing them as dangerous products capable of destroying lives, fuelling criminality, encouraging substance abuse and undermining the future of young people.
The CAC emphasised that the illicit drugs intercepted were 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.”
Kaila added that as part of its anti-smuggling efforts, the command intercepted one used speedboat, one used water bike, one used Toyota Land Cruiser (2017 Model), one used Toyota RAV4 (2016 Model), and one used Nissan Versa (2010 Model).
The Seme Customs boss reiterated that, following credible intelligence, officers of the command intercepted a truck that was deceptively declared to be carrying food items.
“Acting on intelligence and sustained surveillance, our officers subjected the consignment to thorough examination and uncovered 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilograms,” he added.
He stated that the seizure was deeply disturbing because many of the products had already deteriorated and were visibly decomposing. “Intelligence further revealed that the intention was to repackage, relabel and introduce these products into Nigerian markets for unsuspecting consumers,” he stated.
Kaila pointed out that in separate enforcement operations conducted across different flashpoints within the command, officers also intercepted “1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kilograms, smuggled through illegal routes.
“Beyond denying government legitimate revenue, such illicit importation undermines the Federal Government’s agricultural policies, discourages local rice production and threatens the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers. The duty paid value of all items on display today is N365.1m,” Kaila added.
He maintained that the fight against illicit drugs remains one of the service’s critical contributions to national security and public safety.
Kaila mentioned that if these various contraband shipments succeeded in entering society, countless families would have been exposed to serious health hazards ranging from food poisoning and gastrointestinal diseases to other life-threatening medical complications.
He pointed out that through the several interceptions, the command had disrupted criminal supply chains and prevented these dangerous products from reaching communities.
Kaila reiterated that by intercepting these products, the NCS had once again demonstrated that border security is also a form of public health protection.
On revenue generation, the CAC argued that while enforcement remains highly visible, it represents only one dimension of the command’s statutory responsibilities, adding that the second is facilitating legitimate trade while generating revenue for national development.
Kaila noted that in 2025, the command generated N15.94bn, reflecting improved compliance, stronger stakeholder engagement, and better operational efficiency. She also said the command’s revenue performance in 2026 was even more commendable. “Between January and July 2026, the command generated N19.84bn.”
“In 2025, the command generated a total revenue of N15.94bn. That achievement reflected improved compliance, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and strengthened operational efficiency. Yet our revenue performance in 2026 has been even more remarkable; between January and July 2026, the command generated N19.84bn.
“This means that within only seven months, the command has surpassed what it collected as revenue in the entire 2025 by N3.89bn, representing a 24.45 per cent increase,” Kaila said.
He said that the achievement demonstrated that effective enforcement and efficient trade facilitation are complementary responsibilities.
Kaila stressed that while the command continues to deny smugglers opportunities to undermine the economy, it remains equally committed to creating an enabling environment for compliant traders to conduct legitimate business with ease and predictability.
He said that the command’s renewed resolve to fight smuggling and cross-border crimes using intelligence was paying off and had continued to disrupt the activities of those bent on sabotaging the economy.
“To those engaged in smuggling activities, our message remains unequivocal: Seme is no longer a safe corridor for economic sabotage,” Kaila warned.
He vowed that the command remained committed to supporting the Federal Government’s economic reforms, promoting regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, facilitating compliant trade and ensuring that smugglers have no safe haven within the area of responsibility.
He announced that the seized illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products would be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for further investigation and necessary action, “while the explosive materials (along with one suspect) have already been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit due to their highly sensitive nature.”
Anozie is a Chief Correspondent at Punch Newspapers with over 13 years of experience covering entertainment, maritime, and transport sectors. He specializes in producing insightful, engaging stories that provide clarity and depth across his beats. Anozie’s work reflects substantial newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accurate and compelling journalism.
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