Seme Customs Pushes Back On Misleading Report On Border Operations
By Success Okezie
The attention of the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has been drawn to a misleading publication circulating online, making unfounded claims about the conduct of officers along the Seme corridor. The Command categorically disassociates itself from the said report and urges the public to disregard it in its entirety.
A statement made public by the Command’s public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman stated that since the assumption of office by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, in September 2025, enforcement activities along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor have been significantly strengthened through enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Military and other sister security agencies. The reactivation of the Joint Border Security Meeting (JBSM) has further reinforced joint operations aimed at curbing smuggling.
Adding that, as enforcement intensifies during the yuletide season, the Command is aware that individuals whose illegal activities have been disrupted may resort to misinformation and sensational reporting. While these attempts are unsurprising, they will not distract the Command from carrying out its lawful duties.
For clarity, he explained that between 9 September 2025 and date, the Command recorded the seizure of over 4,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to approximately seven trailer loads), Five trailer loads of expired flour, endangered species (Lion Cub and Patas Monkeys) over 2000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marjuana), among other seizures. These results, he stated, reflect the renewed operational drive to protect Nigeria’s economic interests.
Under the leadership of Comptroller Adenuga, the revenue of the Command has improved significantly, rising from average of 500 and 600 million Naira monthly revenue collection to over ₦1.5 billion in September and exceeding ₦2.5 billion in October; an increase of more than 300%. This growth is attributed to blocked leakages, strengthened enforcement, and enhanced facilitation of legitimate trade.
The Seme Area Command reaffirms its commitment to professionalism, transparency and zero tolerance for corruption or misconduct. With the continuous support of the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Management Team, the Command will sustain its efforts in safeguarding national security, enforcing compliance and facilitating lawful trade through the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.
