The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a large quantity of prohibited items, including explosive materials, expired noodles, narcotics, foreign rice and cigarettes, as part of efforts to combat smuggling and cross-border crime.
Speaking to stakeholders at the border on Monday, the Command Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, said the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations and continuous surveillance.
According to him, Customs officers discovered 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50kg, after conducting a detailed examination of a consignment.
Kaila said the noodles were already deteriorating, with some visibly decomposed, adding that intelligence reports suggested smugglers intended to repackage and relabel the products for sale in the Nigerian market.
He warned that if the shipment had entered circulation, many families could have been exposed to serious health risks, including food poisoning and other gastrointestinal illnesses.
The command also seized 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, which were allegedly brought into the country through illegal routes.
In addition, Customs intercepted 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramaking 250mg, 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg, and 310,000 sticks of Time/Yes cigarettes.
Kaila described the narcotics and cigarettes as dangerous products capable of promoting substance abuse, criminal activities and other social problems.
He further revealed that officers recovered 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials, which he said could be used to facilitate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The explosives have been handed over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force for safe custody and further investigation.
On revenue performance, the Seme Border Command generated N19.8 billion between January and July 2026, compared with N15.9 billion during the same period in 2025, representing an increase of 24.45 per cent.
