Seme Customs Command Generates N847m in April, Seizes Foreign Coins, Explosives and Contraband
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service's Seme Area Command recorded major operational achievements between March 14 and May 13, 2025, including revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling actions.
These updates were shared during a media briefing on Tuesday, May 14, 2025, at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post in Seme, Krake.
According to the Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the engagement forms part of the command’s deliberate strategy to enhance transparency, accountability, and effective communication with the media and the public.
He noted that this initiative aligns with their ongoing efforts to fulfill core mandates, including revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.
On Revenue Generation, the Command recorded a notable milestone in April 2025, raking in a total revenue of N847,058,879.30.
“This achievement reflects our sustained efforts at ensuring that all revenue leakages are blocked, and every legitimate kobo due to the Federal Government is collected without compromise,” Dr. Oramalugo stated.
In line with Nigeria’s economic diversification goals, the Seme Command facilitated the export of 2,029 trucks, amounting to 88,036.15 metric tonnes of made-in-Nigeria goods within the two-month period. The Free On Board (FOB) value of these exports stood at N16.9 billion, while the National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees totaled N84.5 million.
“This underscores our role as a critical trade enabler and contributor to national economic growth through efficient border management and support to local manufacturers,” he added.
On Anti-Smuggling Operations, Dr. Oramalugo also highlighted several seizures during the period under review, many of which came through intelligence-driven operations.
On March 28, Customs operatives intercepted a motorcyclist who abandoned a Ghana-Must-Go bag filled with a stash of foreign coins. The items included: 49 pieces of Two-Dollar coins, 1,048 One-Pound coins, 130 pieces of 25 Canadian cents, 236 Fifty Pence, 645 Twenty Pence, 420 Ten Pence, 370 Five Pence
A second interception on April 1 revealed more coin smuggling, this time inside a Mazda vehicle. The haul included: 940 One-Pound coins, 80 Two-Pound coins, 338 Fifty Penny, 540 Twenty Penny, 785 Five Penny.
According to the Controller, “The total value of these seized foreign coins is N8,975,281.00 only. These items are classified under Item 18 of Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff (CET), which prohibits the importation of 'Silver or Metal Alloy Coins not being legal tender in Nigeria'.”
In another major bust on May 9, officers intercepted a Toyota Avensis suspected of smuggling explosives. The vehicle was found to contain six canisters of corrosive mercury, believed to be potential IEDs, hidden beneath cartons of the Holy Qur’an. One suspect was arrested in connection with this case.
Other notable seizures within the reporting period include: 553 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 1,415 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg), 750 kegs of PMS (30kg), 30 cartons of Tobacco, 50 cartons of Tomato Ketchup, 1 boat and engine, 50 bales of second-hand clothing, 5 vehicles used for smuggling.
Unregistered pharmaceuticals, including 420 bottles of CA-C100 Vitamin C and Haldol injection. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) for all seized items during the period stood at N669,785,236.00.
On inter-Agency Cooperation and Public Advisory, Dr. Oramalugo affirmed that some of the seized items will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigations and possible prosecution.
“In line with our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, we shall be handing over the seized Cannabis Sativa, Corrosive Mercury canisters and unregistered pharmaceuticals to the relevant agencies for discreet investigative action and possible prosecution,” he said.
He also cautioned the public about scammers impersonating Customs officers and selling vehicles via social media.
“The Command dissociates itself from any such illegal activity. The Nigeria Customs Service does not sell or auction seized items via WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, or any unverified platforms. Only follow verified social media handles bearing the official blue tick,” he warned.
The Comptroller concluded by commending the dedication of his officers and urging communities along the border to support the Command’s efforts.
“We remain fully committed to our mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling. We shall not be deterred by mischief-makers or their propaganda.”
“Additionally, we appeal to parents and guardians residing in border communities to counsel their wards and youths to refrain from engaging in smuggling activities and to avoid being used as instruments to obstruct law enforcement officers in the discharge of their legitimate duties.”
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