Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a renewed clampdown on cross-border smuggling, operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, have intercepted five trucks carrying 2,800 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice and 250 bales of used clothing along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, Customs Area Controller of the Seme Command, revealed the development during a press briefing on Thursday at the Seme Border. He said the seizures were made between July 1 and 19, 2025, based on credible intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts.
“The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the rice and the trucks used for conveyance is N919.5 million,” Oramalugo said, noting that the operation showcases the vigilance and commitment of Customs officers, backed by strategic support from other security agencies, including the Nigerian military.
In addition to the rice and used clothing, other notable seizures during the period included:
898 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana)
1,319 bags of additional foreign rice
40 bags of sugar, 64 bags of flour
50 cartons of tomato ketchup
A boat with engine
20 bales of second-hand clothing
4 bales of used shoes
The total value of all seized items stood at over ₦1.26 billion.
Addressing the media, Comptroller Oramalugo emphasized that the continued enforcement of the rice import ban through land borders is aimed at supporting local rice producers.
“Nigeria is now Africa’s top rice producer with over 8 million metric tonnes annually, but our mills face serious challenges due to poor patronage fueled by smuggling,” he noted.
He also reported progress in legitimate trade, revealing that 1,837 trucks carrying over 116,000 metric tonnes of made-in-Nigeria goods were exported through the corridor, with a Free On Board (FOB) value exceeding ₦22.3 billion.
The Seme Command also recorded impressive revenue generation, pulling in ₦1.59 billion between May and July 2025.
In a related development, Oramalugo handed over the 898 seized parcels of cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Representing the NDLEA, Mr. Idris Muhammed commended the Customs’ efforts and assured continued collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking.
He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s resolve to thoroughly investigate the case and prosecute offenders.