SEME CUSTOMS DISPELS MISLEADING ONLINE REPORT, HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR SEIZURES , REVENUE GROWTH

SEME CUSTOMS DISPELS MISLEADING ONLINE REPORT, HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR SEIZURES , REVENUE GROWTH

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has dismissed a recent online publication alleging improper conduct by its officers along the Seme corridor, describing the report as misleading and entirely unfounded.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the Command urged the public to disregard the publication, noting that it does not reflect the reality of its operations.
According to Sulaiman, since Comptroller Wale Adenuga assumed office as Customs Area Controller in September 2025, enforcement along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor has been significantly strengthened. He attributed this to renewed collaboration with the Nigerian Military and other security agencies, as well as the reactivation of the Joint Border Security Meeting (JBSM), which has enhanced joint operations against smuggling activities.
The Command noted that heightened enforcement during the festive season had disrupted the illegal activities of some individuals, who may now be resorting to misinformation in an attempt to discredit legitimate security efforts.
Reeling out achievements recorded within the period under review, Sulaiman disclosed that the Command intercepted more than 4,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice—equivalent to about seven trailer loads—alongside five trailer loads of expired flour. Also seized were endangered wildlife, including a lion cub and patas monkeys, as well as over 2,000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, among other contraband items.
On revenue generation, the PRO highlighted a remarkable upward trend since September, with monthly collections rising from an average of ₦500 million to ₦600 million previously, to ₦1.5 billion in September and surpassing ₦2.5 billion in October. He attributed the more than 300 per cent increase to blocked leakages, reinforced enforcement, and improved facilitation of legitimate trade.
Sulaiman reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption, assuring that the unit remains focused on safeguarding national security and supporting lawful trade across the Lagos–Abidjan corridor with the backing of the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Management Team.