Customs intercept truckload of expired noodles, rice, drugs, explosives at Seme

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has intercepted a truckload of expired noodles and other contraband, including foreign rice, illicit drugs, cigarettes and explosive materials.

The Customs Area Controller, Mr Abdullahi Kaila, disclosed this on Tuesday while displaying the seized items at the Seme Border.

Kaila said the command would not allow the importation of dangerous or prohibited goods into the country, stressing that its operations were aimed at protecting national security, public health and the economy.

He said the command, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a truck falsely declared to be carrying 1,306 sacks of noodles weighing 50kg each.

According to him, the products had expired, deteriorated and were visibly decomposing, with intelligence indicating plans to repackage and relabel them for sale to unsuspecting Nigerians.

He said allowing the products into the market could have exposed consumers to serious health risks, including food poisoning and other life-threatening complications.

“This interception demonstrates that the Nigeria Customs Service is not only protecting our borders, but also safeguarding public health,” Kaila said.

The Customs Area Controller also disclosed the seizure of 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, which were smuggled through illegal routes within the command’s area of responsibility.

He said the illicit importation deprived government of revenue, undermined agricultural policies and discouraged local rice production.

Kaila further said the command intercepted 373 parcels of cannabis sativa, 90 packs of tramaking 250mg, 69 packs of royal tapentadol 250mg and 310,000 sticks of cigarettes.

He described the items as dangerous products capable of fuelling substance abuse, criminality and other social vices, particularly among young people.

He said the seizure of the illicit drugs and cigarettes had helped disrupt criminal supply chains and prevented the products from reaching communities.

The Customs chief said the command also intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials allegedly being illegally transported through the border corridor.

He described the explosives as a major national security threat, warning that they could be used to facilitate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Kaila said the explosives had been handed over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force for safe custody and further investigation.

He attributed the successful interception to the vigilance and intelligence-driven operations of Customs personnel, supported by other security agencies.

Other items seized, according to him, included a used speed boat, a used water bike, a 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser, a 2016 Toyota RAV4 and a 2010 Nissan Versa.

Kaila put the total Duty Paid Value of the seized items at N365.16 million, warning smugglers that the Seme corridor would no longer be a safe route for economic sabotage.

On revenue generation, he said the command collected N19.84 billion between January and July 2026.

He noted that the figure had already surpassed the command’s total revenue collection of N15.94 billion for the whole of 2025.

Kaila attributed the improvement to effective enforcement and efficient trade facilitation, saying both responsibilities were essential to strengthening Nigeria’s economy.

He said the command would continue to support the Federal Government’s economic reforms, facilitate legitimate trade and promote regional commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Kaila added that the seized illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products would be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and appropriate action.

He commended sister security agencies and government regulatory bodies for their cooperation, intelligence sharing and support in securing the nation’s borders.