Nigeria Customs Seme Command Generates N847m In April, Seizes Mercury Canisters, Foreign Coins, Cannabis,other Contraband

Nigeria Customs Seme Command Generates N847m In April, Seizes Mercury Canisters, Foreign Coins, Cannabis,other Contraband
……..hands over seized drugs to NDLEA

Dr.Oramalugo center handing over seized cannabis sativa to Director Area Commander ,NDLEA,Austin’s Ojojo on Wednesday,at Seme Customs Command 

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced a significant revenue haul of ₦847 million in April 2025, alongside major anti-smuggling breakthroughs, including the interception of six canisters of mercury suspected to be components of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and the seizure of millions of naira worth of prohibited foreign currency coins and contraband.

Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo, Customs Area Controller for the Seme Command, disclosed this on Wednesday during a media briefing held at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake. The briefing covered operational activities between March 14 and May 13, 2025.

According to Oramalugo, the command generated a total revenue of ₦847,058,879.30 in April alone, a figure attributed to intensified efforts at plugging revenue leakages and enforcing compliance with customs regulations.

Seized foreign coins

In support of the Federal Government’s economic diversification policy, the Command also facilitated the export of over 88,000 metric tonnes of made-in-Nigeria goods through 2,029 trucks. These goods had a Free On Board (FOB) value of ₦16.9 billion, while the National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees amounted to ₦84.5 million.
Highlighting the command’s anti-smuggling operations, the Comptroller revealed a series of seizures that showcased both the sophistication and persistence of smuggling syndicates.

According to Dr Oramalugo,on March 28, operatives intercepted a motorcyclist who abandoned a sack containing a mix of foreign coins—including 1,048 pieces of British one-pound coins and 49 two-dollar coins, among others—along Owode Road. A similar seizure occurred on April 1, when a Mazda vehicle loaded with 940 one-pound coins and other denominations was intercepted.

Dr Oramalugo ,2nd left, showcasing one of the seized items

In total, the seized coins had a duty-paid value of ₦8.97 million. Oramalugo noted that such items are banned under the Common External Tariff (CET) as they are not recognized as legal tender in Nigeria.
Perhaps the most alarming seizure came on May 9, when officers acting on intelligence intercepted a Toyota Avensis carrying six canisters of corrosive mercury, believed to be intended for use in making IEDs. The mercury was hidden beneath five cartons of the Holy Qur’an, and one suspect was arrested.

The Command also seized:
553 parcels of cannabis sativa
1,415 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each)
750 kegs of petrol (30kg each)
30 cartons of tobacco and 50 cartons of ketchup
Unregistered pharmaceuticals including 420 bottles of CA-C100 Vitamin C and Haldol injection
50 bales of second-hand clothing
Five vehicles and one boat with engine
The total duty-paid value of all seizures for the period was ₦669.8 million.
While handing the seized cannabis to NDLEA,Dr Oramalugo noted the inherent dangers posed by illicit drugs are enormous, adding that if the trend is not checked ,the future of the country would be greatly hampered, noting that the youth is the hope of any nation, therefore efforts must be intensified to take the Nigerian youths off drugs.

Receiving the seized cannabis Sativa ,the Director Area Command,Mr.Austimes Ojojo,praised the SEME Customs Command for the seizures and assured the cooperation of his organisation in the fight against illicit drugs.The NDLEA director noted that drugs such as cannabis sativa and other harmful drugs portend great danger to the society,and advised the youths to stay away from drugs.He promised that the NDLEA would publicly destroy the seized drugs at later date.

Dr.Oramalugo used the occasion to warn against fraudsters posing as customs officers and offering auctions via social media platforms. “The Nigeria Customs Service does not sell or auction seized items via WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, or any unverified platforms,” he said.

He also confirmed that items such as cannabis, mercury, and unregistered pharmaceuticals would be handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
Dr. Oramalugo praised the efforts of his officers and the cooperation of other security agencies and stakeholders. He urged residents of border communities to warn their wards against aiding smugglers or obstructing customs operations.

“We remain fully committed to our mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling,” he said. “So by this we are telling them that the Seme Corridor is not conducive for illegal importation, smuggling of drugs and all other prohibited goods
“We shall not be deterred by mischief-makers or their propaganda.” Dr.Oramalugo warned.