The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of five trucks loaded with 2,800 bags of smuggled foreign rice at the Seme border. The seized goods, according to authorities, are valued at N919.5 million in duty paid value.
The operation was carried out by officers of the NCS stationed at the Seme Area Command. The seizure took place recently during routine enforcement and anti-smuggling patrols along the Seme-Krake border corridor. Customs officials say the trucks were apprehended as part of a heightened effort to combat illegal importation of foreign goods into Nigeria.
The Area Controller of the Seme Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, confirmed the seizure during a media briefing. He disclosed that the 2,800 bags of rice were discovered hidden inside five different trucks. The smugglers reportedly attempted to bring the rice into the country through unapproved routes, but were intercepted by vigilant customs officers.
According to Comptroller Bomodi, the duty paid value of the confiscated rice stands at N919,775,000. He emphasized that this action aligns with the federal government’s policy to promote local rice production and protect the nation’s agricultural sector from the damaging effects of smuggling.
Bomodi stated that the Seme Command remains fully committed to preventing the smuggling of prohibited items across Nigeria’s borders. He noted that rice is one of the key commodities targeted by smugglers due to its high demand, but reiterated that foreign rice remains a prohibited import item under current government policy.
He commended the customs officers involved in the operation for their alertness and dedication to duty. He also urged members of the public to support government efforts by reporting any suspicious activities related to smuggling or other illegal border transactions.
The Seme border has long been a hotspot for smuggling activities due to its location along the Nigeria-Benin Republic border. Authorities have intensified surveillance and enforcement activities in the area in recent months, with the goal of deterring cross-border crime and ensuring strict compliance with Nigeria’s import and export regulations.
Customs officials say that the five intercepted trucks are now in custody, and further investigations are underway to identify the individuals or networks behind the smuggling attempt. No arrests have been officially announced as of the time of reporting.
The Nigeria Customs Service has in recent years increased efforts to curb the illegal importation of foreign rice, particularly through land borders. These efforts are part of a broader national strategy aimed at encouraging local rice farming and reducing dependence on imported food products.
In 2019, the Nigerian government ordered the partial closure of land borders to prevent the smuggling of rice and other goods. Although the borders have since reopened, customs operations at key border points have remained vigilant. The latest interception at Seme demonstrates the continuing enforcement of anti-smuggling measures.
Customs authorities have urged traders and transporters to ensure full compliance with import regulations and warned that any attempt to circumvent the law will be met with strict penalties. The NCS also reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s economy and safeguarding the welfare of local producers through sustained border enforcement.
With the growing importance of food security and the government’s drive to boost local agricultural output, the Customs Service says it will not relent in its efforts to stop the inflow of illegal food imports. The interception of 2,800 bags of rice in a single operation is being described by officials as a significant success and a strong message to smugglers operating along Nigeria’s borders.
