Swift intervention : Comptroller Ben Oramalugo outsmarts daredevil smugglers; seizes explosives, foreign coins, contraband worth 669.8million

Swift intervention :
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo outsmarts daredevil smugglers; seizes explosives, foreign coins, contraband worth 669.8million
… Facilitates 88,036.15 metric tons of exports with FOB value of N16.9bn at Seme Command

It was a case of swift intervention occasioned by superior intelligence, as Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Border Command and his officers out-smarted smugglers, seized explosives, foreign coins and many prohibited items worth over N669.8million in monetary value.

Comptroller Oramalugo PhD, unveiled the seized items before maritime Journalists during a press conference, held yesterday, May 14, 2025, at the Command.

Impressively, the eagles eyes of Ben Oramalugo and his enforcement officers uncovered the prohibited items despite the method of concealment used by the smugglers to escape security checks.

Also, from March 14 to May 13, 2025, which is the period under review, the Command made remarkable achievement in trade facilitation.
“In line with the Federal Government’s agenda on economic diversification through non-oil exports, the Command facilitated movement of 2,029 trucks, equivalent to over 88,036.15 metric tons of made-in-Nigeria goods. These exports had Free On Board (FOB) value of N16.9billion. While the National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees stood at N84.5million”, Oramalugo disclosed.

His words : “This underscores our role as a critical trade enabler and contributor to national economic growth through efficient border management and support to local manufacturers.”

On revenue collection, the Area Controller revealed a score card of outstanding performance. He informed : “Seme Area Command through commitment and professionalism, generated N847million for the month of April 2025 alone. This achievement reflects our sustained efforts at ensuring that all revenue leakages are blocked, and every legitimate kobo due to the Federal Government is collected without compromise”.

Giving more details on the hard work and resilience of his enforcement officers, Comptroller Oramalugo pointed out. “On March 28, 2025, at about 2000hrs, operatives of the Command on duty intercepted a motorcyclist suspected of conveying un-customs goods along Owode Road. Upon interception, the rider abandoned a big bag and escaped. Upon examination, the bag was found to contain various foreign coins, namely: 49 pieces of Two-Dollar coins; 1,048 pieces of One-Pound coins; 130 pieces of 25 Canadian Cents; 236 pieces of Fifty Pence; 645 pieces of Twenty Pence; 420 pieces of Ten Pence; 370 pieces of Five Pence.

“Similarly, on April 1, 2025, our operatives intercepted a Mazda vehicle suspected of carrying smuggled items along Badagry-Seme Expressway. After a thorough check, the vehicle was found to contain:
940 pieces of One-Pound coins; 80 pieces of Two-Pound coins; 338 pieces of Fifty Penny; 540 pieces of Twenty Penny; and 785 pieces of Five Penny.

“The total value of these seized foreign coins is N8.9million. These items are classified under Item 18 of Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff (CET), which prohibits the importation of “Silver or Metal Alloy Coins not being legal tender into Nigeria”.

Ben Oramalugo continued :  “In a related development, on May 9, 2025, our operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a red Toyota Avensis with registration number GGB 667 JL along the Badagry-Lagos expressway. The vehicle was found to be conveying Six (6) canisters of corrosive mercury suspected to be Improvised Explosive Device (IED), concealed beneath Five (5) cartons of the Holy Qur’an. One suspect was arrested in connection with this seizure.

“Other notable seizures during the period include: 553 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana); 1,415 bags of foreign rice (50kg each); 750 kegs of PMS (30kg each); 30 cartons of Tobacco; 50 cartons of Ketchup Tomato; one boat and engine; 50 bales of second-hand clothings; five Vehicles; and Unregistered pharmaceuticals, including 420 bottles of CA-C100 Vitamin C and Haldol injection (5ml).”

Speaking further, Comptroller Oramalugo, who has recorded significant milestones at Seme Area Command since he came on board, recognised the importance of working synergy with other security agencies. He stated : “In line with our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, we are handing over the seized Cannabis Sativa, canisters of Corrosive Mercury suspected to be IEDs and unregistered pharmaceuticals to the relevant agencies for discreet investigative action and possible prosecution. This also highlights our readiness to work with sister agencies in safeguarding national security.”

He emphasised :  “Let me use this opportunity to alert the public on the activities of fraudsters who impersonate officers of Seme Area Command, claiming to auction or sell vehicles. These scammers often operate via social media and other informal platforms. The Command dissociates itself from any such illegal activity.

“Please note that the Nigeria Customs Service does not sell or auction seized items via WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, or any unverified platforms. Only follow verified social media handles bearing the official blue tick or any communication directly from the Nigeria Customs Service.

“I wish to commend the gallant officers and men of Seme Area Command for their steadfastness, professionalism, and integrity. I also thank our stakeholders and partners, including the media, for their continuous support and collaboration.

“We remain fully committed to our mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling. We shall not be deterred by mischief-makers or their propaganda. The Command will continue to work diligently in the interest of national economic development and security. We appeal to parents and guardians residing in border communities to counsel their wards and youths to refrain from engaging in smuggling activities and to avoid being used as instruments to obstruct law enforcement officers in the discharge of their legitimate duties.”

OBSERVATION :
Apparently, Comptroller Oramalugo has shown doggedness in discharging his statutory responsibilities at Seme, known to be the busiest border point within the sub-region. Our Correspondent observed that though the programme of yesterday was the second media briefing of Seme Customs Command for the year 2025, the seizures unveiled in the open were massive.
The Area Controller himself said that
the engagement was part of their deliberate strategy to deepen transparency, accountability, and effective communication with the media and the public, as they continue to pursue their core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.