The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said its renewed enforcement strategy along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor has yielded significant results, leading to the seizure of foreign parboiled rice, several trailer loads of expired flour, illicit drugs and a 300 per cent increase in revenue collection since September.

In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Isah Sulaiman, the command refuted claims about the misconduct of officers along the Seme corridor, noting that reports often emerge when illegal activities are disrupted, especially as enforcement intensifies during the yuletide season.

The Customs Area Controller, Wale Adenuga, said that since his resumption in September 2025, these attempts are unsurprising and will not distract the command from carrying out its lawful duties, urging the public to disregard them in their entirety.

The controller said that since his resumption in September 2025, enforcement activities along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor have been significantly strengthened through enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Military and other sister security agencies.

He said the reactivation of the Joint Border Security Meeting (JBSM) has further reinforced joint operations aimed at curbing smuggling and protecting the country’s economic interests.

According to him, between 9 September 2025 and the present date, the Command recorded the seizure of over 4,000 bags of 50 kilogrammes of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to about seven trailer loads.

The command seized five trailer loads of expired flour, endangered species, including a lion cub and Patas monkeys, as well as over 2,000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana), among other seizures.

Adenuga stated that these activities have been supported by an impressive rise in revenue, which moved from an average monthly collection of between N500 million and N600 million to over N1.5 billion in September and more than N2.5 billion in October.

He described the increase of more than 300 per cent as a direct outcome of blocked leakages, strengthened enforcement and enhanced facilitation of legitimate trade. Adenuga added that these achievements reflect the renewed operational drive to protect Nigeria’s economic interests.

“The Seme Area Command reaffirms its commitment to professionalism, transparency and zero tolerance for corruption or misconduct. The command will sustain its efforts in safeguarding national security, enforcing compliance and facilitating lawful trade through the Lagos-Abidjan corridor,” he stated.