...Generates Over N847m In April ...Seized IEDs, Cannabis Sativa, PMS others Goods Valued at N669.7m
The Seme Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) working in line with the Federal Government economic diversification agenda on the promotion of non oil exports, the command has facilitated the movement of 2,029 trucks which is equivalent to 88,036.15 metric tonnes of made in Nigeria products with an Free On Board (FOB) value of ₦16,900,987,331.10k and the National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees of ₦84,504,936.66k, between March 13th and May 13th 2025.
The Command also, through commitment and professionalism and with a sustained efforts at ensuring that all revenue leakages are blocked, and every legitimate kobo due to the Federal Government is collected without compromise generated a total revenue of ₦847,058,879.30k for the month of April 2025, and made seizures of assorted unwholesome goods with a duty paid value (DPV). ₦669,785,236.00k .
The Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo, PhD. FCIA FNIM gave these statistics yesterday 14th May at the command's conference hall during a media briefing on the command's activities between the period under review.
While giving account of the seizures, the Area Controller said, "On 28th March 2025, at about 2000hrs, operatives of the Command on stop and search duty intercepted a motorcyclist suspected of conveying un-customs goods along Owode Road, upon interception, the rider abandoned a Ghana-Must-Go bag and escaped. Upon examination, the bag was found to contain various foreign coins, namely 49 pieces of Two-Dollar coins, 1,048 pieces of One-Pound coins, 130 pieces of 25 Canadian cents, 236 pieces of Fifty Pence, 645 pieces of Twenty Pence, 420 pieces of Ten Pence, 370 pieces of Five Pence".
Continuing , Comptroller Oramalugu informed that on 1st April 2025, his operatives while on duty, intercepted a Mazda vehicle suspected of carrying smuggled items along the Badagry-Seme Expressway, adding that after a thorough check, the vehicle was found to contain:940 pieces of One-Pound coins, 80 pieces of Two-Pound coins, 338 pieces of Fifty Penny, 540 pieces of Twenty Penny and 785 pieces of Five Penny, putting the total value of the seized forgein coins is estimated at ₦8,975,281.00k only, explaining that the 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”.
Continuing, the CAC said, "In a related development, on 9th May 2025, the Command’s operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a red Toyota Avensis, with registration number, GGB 667 JL along the Badagry-Lagos expressway, saying that the vehicle was found to convey six canisters of corrosive mercury suspected to be Improvised Explosive Device (IED), concealed beneath Five cartons of the Holy Qur’an". He informed that a suspect was arrested in connection with this seizure.
Other notable seizures during the period include: 553 parcels of Cannabis Sativa , 1,415 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 750 kegs of PMS ,30kg each , 30 cartons of Tobacco, 50 cartons of Tomato Ketchup, 1 boat and engine, 50 bales of second-hand clothing, 5 Vehicles and unregistered pharmaceuticals, including 420 bottles of CA-C100 Vitamin C and Haldol injection (5ml).
He said in line with the Customs commitment to inter-agency collaboration and its readiness to work with sister agencies in safeguarding national security, the seized Cannabis Sativa and Cannasive of Corrosive Mercury, suspected to be IEDs and unregistered pharmaceuticals would be handed over to the relevant agencies for discreet investigative action and possible prosecution.
While commending his gallant officers and men of Command for their steadfastness, professionalism and integrity, Compt. Oramalugo expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his wisdom in bringing the Nigeria Customs Service back to limelight by appointing a well groomed, through breed customs Officer like Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR as the Comptroller General who with his management team has been able to repositioned the service to meet world standard and also appointing those with capacity to head various positions and commands. He also thanked stakeholders and partners, including the media, for their continued support and collaboration,
The Comptroller stated that the Command remained fully committed to its mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling, pledging not to be deterred by mischief-makers or their propaganda.
On the activities of fraudsters who impersonate the name of Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Oramalugo warned the general public that the Service those not auction or sell vehicles and other seized items via social media and other informal platforms and hence disassociate his command and the service from any illegal activities.
In his words, "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 said the Seme command will continue to work diligently in the interest of national economic development and security he appealed to parents and guardians residing within the 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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