NCS INTERCEPTS FIVE TRUCKS WITH N919.5M SMUGGLED RICE IN SEME, SEIZES CONTRABAND WORTH OVER N1.2BN
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has intercepted five trucks loaded with 2,800 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice and second-hand clothing, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N919.5 million.
The Customs Area Controller, Dr Benedict Oramalugo, disclosed this on Thursday while showcasing the seized items to journalists at the Joint Border Post complex in Seme. He said the seizures were made between July 1 and 19 along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, following credible intelligence.
Oramalugo explained that the intercepted trucks were carrying 50kg bags of foreign rice and 250 bales of second-hand clothing, contravening the Federal Government’s import prohibition policy via land borders.
“These seizures are a testament to the vigilance and commitment of our officers, working in collaboration with the Nigerian military and other security agencies,” he said.
In addition to the July seizures, Oramalugo reported that the Command made several significant interceptions between May 14 and June 30. These included 1,319 additional bags of foreign rice, 898 parcels of cannabis sativa, 40 bags of sugar, 64 bags of flour, 50 cartons of tomato ketchup, one boat with an engine, 20 bales of second-hand clothes, and four bales of used shoes.
The total DPV for all seizures within the period stood at N1,268,794,474.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s stance on rice importation, Oramalugo stressed that the ban is essential to protect local farmers and enhance food security.
“Nigeria remains Africa’s leading rice producer, with over 8 million metric tonnes annually, surpassing Egypt and Tanzania. Yet, many local mills operate below capacity due to low patronage,” he lamented.
He warned that the Seme Command will not tolerate any form of smuggling, noting that the cannabis seizures would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
On revenue generation, Oramalugo revealed that the command collected N1,593,676,123.26 between May and June 2025, attributing the success to robust anti-leakage measures and operational integrity.
He further disclosed that under Nigeria’s economic diversification drive, the command facilitated the export of 1,837 trucks, amounting to over 116,723 metric tonnes. The Free On Board (FOB) value of the exports was N22.37 billion, while Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees totalled N111.84 million.
Commending his officers, Oramalugo thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Customs management team for their unwavering support. He noted that the recent deployment of 12 patrol vehicles has significantly boosted border surveillance and operational effectiveness.
“These seizures and revenue figures reflect our resolve to uphold national economic policies and protect the country from economic sabotage,” he added.
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