By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command has declared an increased revenue generation of N 9. 7 Billion. The command in a renewed anti-smuggling operations also intercepted contraband with DPV of ₦9.8 billion iwithin two months.The Controller of Seme area Command, Comptr. Abdullah Kaila disclosed this during his first official press briefing since assuming office on March 18, 2026, at the Headquarters of Seme Area Command office on 25th May 2926.According to Comotr. Abdullah Kaila , the Command generated a total revenue of ₦9,798,938,969 between March and May 2026, representing a significant increase of ₦7.61 billion when compared to the ₦2.18 billion collected during the same period in 2025, The increased revenue a remarkable 448 percent growth rate.The Comptr attributed the increased revenue generation to enhanced anti-revenue leakage measures, stricter compliance mechanisms, improved stakeholder cooperation, and the strategic deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System.Speaking on anti-smuggling efforts of the command, he pointed out that the command intercepted 800 parcels of suspected cannabis sativa originating from Ghana.
Kaila said that the seizures contravened provisions of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act and Section 245(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.The Comptr. a stated that the command also intercepted large quantities of unregistered pharmaceutical products, including codeine-based cough syrups and sexual enhancement drugs lacking approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).A breakdown of the seized items included; one carton containing 55 bottles of Ultimate Plus Maker Syrup (100ml), 88 packs of “99 Bullets” herbal medicine, 10 cartons of Ultimate Plus Maker Sedal, 14 cartons each of Super Sexy, Machine Man, and Citrate 200mg, as well as 100 packs each of Tramartine and Campendol.The Comptr . disclosed that the unregistered pharmaceuticals intercepted by Seme Customs Command iviolated Section 55(1)(c) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and would be handed over to NAFDAC for regulatory action.Other items intercepted during separate operations included 2,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 340 kegs of foreign vegetable oil, 103 kegs of premium motor spirit, 993 cartons of foreign spaghetti, and 250 bags of used clothing. The cumulative Duty Paid Value of all seized items stood at ₦500,001,845.77,Comptr Abdullah Kaila stated the seizures underscores the command’s zero-tolerance stance against smuggling and economic sabotage.
He also pointed out that Six suspects were arrested in connection with the operations and were released on administrative bail. He commended the diligence and dedication to duty of officers of the command, saying that “The renewed dedication, professionalism, and vigilance demonstrated by officers and men of the command have contributed immensely to this performance,” “These enforcement actions are aimed at protecting local industries, safeguarding public health, preserving national security, and enforcing compliance with import and export regulations,” he Stressed. Abdullah Kaila sounded a warning to smugglers and criminal networks operating along the border corridor that the command would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and inter-agency collaboration to combat trans-border crimes. The high point of the event was the official handing over of the unregistered pharmaceuticals and Cannabis to Officers of the NDLEA and NAFDAC.
