Seme.Customs.command, NDLEA seek ways to tackle menacing cross border smuggling activities.
Seme.Customs.command, NDLEA seek ways to tackle menacing cross border smuggling activities.
Titi Adeleke
The Nigeria Customs Services, Seme Area Command led buly the Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo and other security outfits within the command, on Thursday, brainstormed on ways to tackle the growing concerns of cross border smuggling activities.
The conference, which took place on March 13, 2025, brought together top officials from the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).focused on tackling the alarming rise in smuggling of major contraband items, including rice, cannabis, used shoes, oils, and cars.
The smuggling of these goods has significant economic, health, and security implications for the country.
Key issues discussed during the meeting included the devastating impact of rice smuggling on domestic agricultural markets. Customs officials noted that illegal rice imports undermine local farmers, drive down prices, and threaten food security in the region. To address this issue, customs officials have seized 1,809 bags of foreign parboiled rice.
Another major concern was the dramatic increase in cannabis trafficking across the border, which has sparked concerns about public health and security. Law enforcement agencies are enhancing intelligence-sharing and enforcement operations to stem the flow of this illicit substance. Customs officials have seized 444 parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana).
The smuggling of oils, particularly edible oils, has also emerged as a lucrative illegal trade activity. Officials revealed that counterfeit or low-quality oils are being sold on the black market, posing significant risks to consumer health.
In addition to these items, customs officials have also seized other smuggling items, including Tramadol, codeine syrup, petroleum motor spirit (PMS), used shoes, used clothes, and used tires.
The conference concluded with a commitment from all parties to strengthen cooperation and intelligence-sharing across borders.
New measures include enhanced patrols, joint task forces, and more stringent regulations on goods entering both countries. The meeting emphasized the importance of community engagement in preventing smuggling by promoting awareness of the risks involved.
“The joint effort is seen as a critical step in not only protecting the economy but also ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens in the region. As cross-border smuggling continues to evolve, authorities remain committed to evolving their strategies and adapting to emerging threats in this ongoing battle.
“The collaborative efforts discussed in this conference underscore the importance of collective action to protect national interests and combat illegal trade across borders.
A clear warning to smugglers:”Let me use this opportunity to warn smugglers and their collaborators that their illegal activities will not be tolerated.smuggling is an act of economic sabotage and the Seme Area command is fully prepared to track down arrest,and prosecute offenders.
“I strongly advise all individuals involved in smuggling to embrace legitimate trade and contribute to national economic growth, rather than engaging in criminal activities that undermine our country’s economy,” he admonished.
On the anti smuggling efforts by the command, Comptroller Oramakugo said, “We are committed to dismantling drug networks operating along our borders. Cannabis trafficking is linked to organized crime, and we are working with regional partners to break these supply chains,” said the Area controller official of SEME_Krake Border.Four Hundred and Forty_Four (444)parcels of cannabis sativa (Marijuana)was seized.
The smuggling of oils, particularly edible oils, has emerged as one of the most lucrative illegal trade activities. Officials revealed that counterfeit or low-quality oils are being sold on the black market, bypassing Customs duties and regulations.
These illicit oils, often made from subpar or toxic ingredients, pose a significant risk to consumer health. Border control agencies are stepping up their inspection processes and collaborating with customs teams to detect and prevent such smuggling attempts.
“People deserve to know that the oils they consume are safe and meet quality standards. We are working with local authorities and international partners to shut down these illegal operations,” stated a spokesperson from the food safety division.
Other smuggled items seized by the Nigerian Customs officials are.One hundred and Eighty one (181)packs of Tramadol,six hundred (600)Bottles of codeine syrup(100ml each),Two Hundred and forty(240)kegs of petroleum Motor spirit(PMS), seventeen (17) sacks of used shoes, Fifty_six (56) Bales of used clothes and Two Hundred and Three (203) pieces of used Tyres and 5 cars was also seized.
“The conference concluded with a commitment from all parties to strengthen cooperation and intelligence-sharing across borders.
