Seme Customs Intercepts Smuggled US Dollars, British Pounds, Canadian Cents, Others Worth N678 Million
Deputy Commander of NDLEA at Seme Border, Austins Ojojo (1st right) officially receiving the seized Cannabis Sativa from Seme Customs Area Controller, Dr Ben Oramalugo on Wednesday
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a significant haul of smuggled foreign currencies and suspected explosives, among other contraband, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦669.7 million between March 13th and May 13th, 2025.
This was announced by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo, during a media briefing held at the ECOWAS Complex, Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake border, on Wednesday.
Comptroller Oramalugo stated that the Command also generated a total revenue of ₦847.05 million in April 2025 alone, highlighting the officers’ commitment to blocking revenue leakages.
“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,” he affirmed.
In terms of trade facilitation, the Command facilitated the movement of 2,029 trucks carrying over 88,000 metric tonnes of made-in-Nigeria goods for export, valued at over ₦16.9 billion. The National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees collected amounted to over ₦84.5 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,” Comptroller Oramalugo explained.
Giving details on the seizures, Comptroller Oramalugo revealed that on March 28th, operatives intercepted a motorcyclist along Owode Road who abandoned a bag containing various foreign coins with a total value of ₦8.97 million.
These coins, including US Dollars, British Pounds, and Canadian Cents, are classified under the Common External Tariff (CET) which prohibits their importation as they are not legal tender in Nigeria.
Furthermore, on April 1st, another interception along the Badagry-Seme Expressway led to the seizure of more foreign coins valued at over ₦8.97 million.
Of particular concern was the interception on May 9th of a vehicle conveying six canisters of corrosive mercury, suspected to be Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), concealed beneath cartons of the Holy Qur’an.
“Our operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a red Toyota Avensis. The vehicle was found to be conveying Six (6) canisters of corrosive mercury suspected to be Improvised Explosive Device (IED), concealed beneath Five (5) cartons of the Holy Qur’an,” Comptroller Oramalugo disclosed. One suspect was arrested in connection with this potentially dangerous seizure.
Other seized items within the period include 553 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 1,415 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 750 kegs of PMS, 30 cartons of tobacco, 50 cartons of tomato ketchup, a boat and engine, 50 bales of second-hand clothing, five vehicles, and unregistered pharmaceuticals.
Comptroller Oramalugo emphasized the Command’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, stating that the seized Cannabis Sativa, suspected IED components, and unregistered pharmaceuticals would be handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
“This also highlights our readiness to work with sister agencies in safeguarding national security,” he added.
He also cautioned the public about fraudulent individuals impersonating Customs officers on social media, claiming to auction seized vehicles.
“Please note that 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 or any communication directly from the Nigeria Customs Service,” he warned.
Comptroller Oramalugo commended the officers and men of the Seme Area Command for their dedication and thanked stakeholders, including the media, for their continued support.
He reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to its core mandates and appealed to parents in border communities to dissuade their children from engaging in smuggling activities.
