Seme Customs Debunks Viral Misleading Report, Highlights Major Seizures and 300% Revenue Surge
Kathy Kyari
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has refuted an online publication making what it described as “misleading” and “unfounded” allegations about the conduct of its officers along the Seme corridor.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman, the Command said it “categorically disassociates itself from the said report and urges the public to disregard it in its entirety.”
Since the assumption of office by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, in September 2025, the Command says enforcement along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor has been intensified through closer collaboration with the Nigerian Military and other security agencies. The reactivation of the Joint Border Security Meeting (JBSM), according to the statement, has also bolstered joint operations against smuggling.
The Command noted that the yuletide season typically witnesses heightened attempts by smugglers to undermine enforcement efforts. It added that individuals whose illegal activities have been disrupted may resort to propaganda and sensational reporting.
While describing such attempts as “unsurprising,” the Command stressed that they would not deter its officers from carrying out their lawful duties.
Operational records released by the Command show significant results since September. Between 9 September 2025 and date, officers recorded the seizure of more than 4,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice—equivalent to about seven trailer loads—as well as five trailer loads of expired flour.
Other seizures include endangered species such as a lion cub and Patas monkeys, and over 2,000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana), among others. The Command said these achievements reflect its renewed drive to protect Nigeria’s economic interests.
The statement also highlighted a sharp rise in revenue collection under Comptroller Adenuga. Monthly collections, previously averaging between ₦500 million and ₦600 million, surged to over ₦1.5 billion in September and exceeded ₦2.5 billion in October, representing more than 300% growth. The Command attributed this increase to blocked revenue leakages, strengthened enforcement, and improved facilitation of legitimate trade.
Reaffirming its mandate, the Seme Area Command pledged continued professionalism, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption. It added that with the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Management Team, it would sustain efforts to safeguard national security, enforce compliance, and facilitate lawful trade across the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
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