By Tunde Ojudun
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has issued a firm rebuttal to a circulating online publication that falsely accuses its officers of misconduct along the Seme corridor. The Command has unequivocally disassociated itself from the report and urges the public to disregard its contents.
A press statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, CSC Isah Sulaiman emphasized that since Comptroller Wale Adenuga assumed leadership in September 2025, enforcement operations along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor have been significantly enhanced. “This progress is driven by strengthened collaboration with the Nigerian Military and other security agencies, as well as the revitalization of the Joint Border Security Meeting (JBSM), which has bolstered coordinated efforts to combat smuggling,” the statement said.
As the festive season approaches, the Command said it anticipates attempts by disgruntled individuals—whose illegal activities have been disrupted—to spread misinformation. “These tactics, however, will not deter the Command from fulfilling its lawful mandate.”
The statement highlighted the operational achievements of the command between September and November 2025 with the seizure of over 4,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (≈7 trailer loads), interception of five trailer loads of expired flour, rescue of endangered wildlife (including a lion cub and Patas monkeys), confiscation of over 2,000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa and numerous other contraband items impounded.
On revenue growth, the command under Comptroller Adenuga’s leadership, has achieved increased monthly revenue collection from ₦500–600 million previously to over ₦1.5 billion in September, and over ₦2.5 billion in October — a growth of more than 300%.
This remarkable improvement is attributed to tightened enforcement, elimination of revenue leakages, and facilitation of legitimate trade.
The Command noted that it remains steadfast in its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption. “With continued support from the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Management Team, the Command will persist in safeguarding national interests and promoting lawful trade across the Lagos–Abidjan corridor,” the statement concluded.