Seme Customs intercept 3,300 cartridges, other contraband

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has intercepted a significant cache of 3,300 cartridges of explosives illegally being transported across the nation's land borders within the last two months. Abdullahi Kaila, the Customs Area Controller for the command, stated that such explosives pose a severe threat, having devastating consequences if they fall into the hands of criminal elements, potentially facilitating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

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Our officers intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials being illegally conveyed through the border corridor. Explosives of this nature have devastating consequences when they fall into the hands of criminal elements. They have the potential to facilitate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes capable of threatening national peace and security.

This successful interception highlights the vigilance and professionalism of the customs officers, who collaborated with other security agencies. The sensitive nature of the seizure prompted the immediate handover of the explosive materials to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for safe custody and further investigation. This action underscores the critical role of customs in national security by preventing dangerous materials from entering the country.

In addition to the explosives, the command seized 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramadol (250mg), 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol (250mg), and 310,000 sticks of cigarettes. Kaila described these items as dangerous products capable of destroying lives, fueling criminality, promoting substance abuse, and undermining the future of young people. The illicit drugs are often linked to cultism and violent crimes, while smuggled cigarettes bypass health regulations and evade statutory duties.

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Considering the sensitive nature of the seizure, the explosive materials have already been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for safe custody and further investigation.

Further operations led to the interception of a truck carrying 1,306 sacks of expired and decomposing noodles. Intelligence indicated the intention was to repackage and relabel these waste products for sale in Nigerian markets. The command also seized vehicles, including a used speedboat, a water bike, and several cars, as part of its ongoing anti-smuggling efforts.

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Intelligence further revealed that the intention was to repackage, relabel and introduce these products into Nigerian markets for unsuspecting consumers.