The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed a circulating online publication alleging misconduct by officers along the Seme corridor, describing the report as misleading, unfounded, and a deliberate attempt to undermine ongoing enforcement efforts.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the Command urged the public to disregard the publication, stressing that the claims do not reflect the realities of its operations.
According to the statement, enforcement along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor has been significantly strengthened since Comptroller Wale Adenuga assumed office in September 2025. The renewed operational approach includes deepened collaboration with the Nigerian Military and other security agencies, as well as the reactivation of the Joint Border Security Meeting (JBSM), which has bolstered joint border operations.
The Command noted that as yuletide enforcement intensifies, it is not unusual for individuals affected by the crackdown on illegal trade to resort to misinformation in an attempt to discredit security agencies. It maintained that such tactics will not deter its officers from executing their statutory duties.
Providing a breakdown of operational achievements, the Command reported the seizure of over 4,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice—equivalent to about seven trailer loads—alongside five trailer loads of expired flour. Other notable interceptions include endangered species such as a lion cub and patas monkeys, as well as more than 2,000 parcels of cannabis sativa. These results, the Command said, underscore its renewed commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and security interests.
In addition to intensified enforcement, the Command recorded remarkable revenue growth under Comptroller Adenuga’s leadership. Monthly revenue rose from an average of ₦500 million to ₦600 million to over ₦1.5 billion in September, and further exceeded ₦2.5 billion in October—representing an increase of more than 300 percent. This improvement is attributed to the plugging of revenue leakages, reinforced enforcement, and smoother facilitation of legitimate trade.
Reaffirming its dedication to professionalism, transparency, and zero tolerance for misconduct, the Seme Command expressed confidence that, with the continued backing of the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Service Management, it will consolidate gains in border security, compliance enforcement, and trade facilitation along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
The statement was issued on behalf of Comptroller Adenuga on November 24, 2025.
