Customs generates N9.798bn, arrests 6 suspects with hard

By Steve Agbota

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated over N9,798 billion in revenue for the Federal Government within two months of operations.

This is even as the command arrested six suspected smugglers with hard drugs, sex enhancement products and other contraband worth over N501 million within the period under review.

Addressing the newsmen on Monday during a press briefing, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, said the Command generated a total revenue of N9,798,938,969 between March and May 2026, representing a significant increase of N7.61 billion compared to the N2.18 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2025, a remarkable 448 per cent growth rate.

However, he attributed the unprecedented surge to enhanced anti-revenue leakage measures, stricter compliance mechanisms, improved stakeholder cooperation, and the strategic deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System.

While giving the details of the seizures, he revealed that the command intercepted 800 parcels of suspected cannabis sativa originating from Ghana, adding that the seizures contravened provisions of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act and Section 245(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

He also pointed out that the command intercepted large quantities of unregistered pharmaceutical products, including codeine-based cough syrups and sexual enhancement drugs with no approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Giving the breakdown of the seizures, he said that 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.

According to him, the items violated 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 N500,001,845.77, underscoring the command’s zero-tolerance stance against smuggling and economic sabotage. Six suspects were arrested in connection with the operations and subsequently released on administrative bail,” he said.

However, he commended the eagle-eyed 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 added.

He issued a stern 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. At the same time, the unregistered pharmaceuticals and cannabis were subsequently handed over to officials of the NDLEA and NAFDAC for further investigations.