July 25, 2025
Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Seme Border Command have intercepted five trucks conveying smuggled foreign parboiled rice with a total duty-paid value of N919.5 million.
The seizure, which occurred during a recent operation by the anti-smuggling unit of the command, highlights renewed efforts by the Federal Government to clamp down on illegal importation activities, especially of goods banned to protect local industries.
Customs Area Controller at the Seme Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, confirmed the interception while addressing journalists on Thursday. He explained that the contraband rice, believed to have been illegally brought in from neighbouring countries through unapproved routes, was carefully concealed in large truck containers to evade detection.
According to Bomodi, the smugglers abandoned the vehicles and fled upon sighting customs officers, who had been monitoring their movements through enhanced surveillance. “Our officers displayed exceptional professionalism and bravery. This operation is part of our broader strategy to combat the economic sabotage posed by smuggling,” he said.
He reiterated the service’s zero tolerance for smuggling, noting that the action contravened national economic interests and put Nigerian rice farmers at risk. He added that the command would intensify border patrols and leverage intelligence networks to prevent further breaches.
The seizure has been described as one of the largest in recent months at the Seme border, reinforcing the Customs’ commitment to enforcing the nation’s trade laws and supporting the local agricultural sector.
Investigations are ongoing to apprehend those behind the smuggling operation.
