Susan Abayomi
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted contraband, illicit drugs, expired food products, foreign rice, cigarettes, explosive materials and other prohibited items with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦365.16 million.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, disclosed this on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Seme, Badagry, Lagos State.
Kaila said the seizures resulted from intelligence-led operations, sustained surveillance and collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies operating within the Command’s area of responsibility.
He said the interceptions underscored the Command’s efforts to protect national security, safeguard public health, strengthen the economy and facilitate legitimate trade.
Customs Seizes 1,306 Sacks of Expired Noodles
Among the major seizures were 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilogrammes.
Kaila said the consignment was intercepted following credible intelligence after it was allegedly declared as ordinary food items. A subsequent examination of the truck reportedly revealed the expired products.
According to him, intelligence indicated that the noodles were allegedly intended to be repackaged and relabelled for sale to unsuspecting consumers in Nigeria.
He described the seizure as an important public-health intervention that prevented potentially harmful food products from entering the Nigerian market.
1,268 Bags of Foreign Rice Intercepted
The Command also intercepted 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, during enforcement operations at various locations within its area of responsibility.
Kaila said the smuggling of foreign rice deprives the government of legitimate revenue, undermines local rice production and runs contrary to the Federal Government’s agricultural policies.
Customs Intercepts Illicit Drugs, Cigarettes
The Command further seized illicit drugs, unregistered pharmaceutical products and cigarettes, including 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 said the seizures helped disrupt illegal supply chains and prevent prohibited substances from reaching communities.
3,300 Explosive Cartridges Intercepted
In a major security-related seizure, Customs officers also intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials allegedly being conveyed illegally through the border corridor.
Kaila described the interception as a significant national-security intervention, noting that such materials could pose serious security risks if they fell into the hands of criminal elements.
He said the explosive materials, along with a suspect, had been handed over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force for safe custody and further investigation.
The Command said it would continue its intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister agencies to combat smuggling and other illegal activities along the Seme border corridor.
