The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has intercepted several consignments, including 1,306 sacks of expired noodles, illicit drugs, cigarettes and 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦365,163,709.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, disclosed this on Tuesday at a press briefing held at the Command’s headquarters in Seme, Badagry, Lagos State.
Kaila said the seizures were recorded through credible intelligence, sustained surveillance and collaboration with sister security agencies.
He said officers intercepted a truck falsely declared to be carrying food items, only to discover 1,306 sacks of expired and decomposing noodles, weighing 50kg each.
“Intelligence revealed the intention was to repackage, relabel and introduce these products into Nigerian markets for unsuspecting consumers. Had this shipment succeeded, countless families would have been exposed to food poisoning and life-threatening illnesses,” he said.
The Comptroller added that the Command also intercepted 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, which were smuggled through illegal routes.
According to him, the continued smuggling of foreign rice undermines the Federal Government’s agricultural policies and threatens the livelihoods of local farmers.
Drugs, Cigarettes, Explosives Intercepted
Kaila said the Command also intercepted 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramaking 250mg, 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg, 310,000 sticks of Time/Yes cigarettes and 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials.
He described the explosives as the most dangerous of the seizures, warning that they could be used to facilitate terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
“The explosive materials, along with one suspect, have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for safe custody and further investigation,” Kaila said.
He added that the seized drugs and pharmaceutical products would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action.
Other items seized included a used speedboat, a water bike and three vehicles — a 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser, a 2016 Toyota RAV4 and a 2010 Nissan Versa.
Customs Records ₦19.84bn Revenue in Seven Months
Beyond its enforcement activities, the Command also recorded significant revenue growth, generating ₦15.94 billion in 2025.
Kaila said the Command generated ₦19.84 billion between January and July 2026, surpassing its entire 2025 collection by ₦3.89 billion, representing a 24.45 per cent increase.
“This shows that enforcement and trade facilitation are complementary. While we are blocking smuggling, we are also creating an enabling environment for legitimate traders under AfCFTA,” he said.
The Customs Area Controller commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and appreciated sister security agencies for their intelligence-sharing efforts.
He also acknowledged the media for promoting transparency and public confidence in the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Kaila warned economic saboteurs that “Seme is no longer a safe corridor for smuggling,” while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting public health, national security and the Nigerian economy.
, Seme Area Command, has intercepted several consignments, including 1,306 sacks of expired noodles, illicit drugs, cigarettes and 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦365,163,709.){kind=link}