Esther Oritse
Lagos — The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted suspected explosive materials, including corrosive mercury, concealed in five cartons of the Quran, along with other prohibited items.
Speaking to journalists in Seme on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the seizure.
According to Dr. Oramalugo, the contraband was being transported in a red Toyota Avensis with registration number GGE 66 JN, which was intercepted along the Badagry–Lagos Expressway.
“In addition to the suspected explosives, the Command also intercepted various foreign currencies during the month of April, totaling the equivalent of N8.9 million after conversion,” he stated.
“On 28th March 2025, at about 2000hrs, operatives of the Command on stop and search duty intercepted a motorcyclist suspected of conveying un-customs goods along Owode Road. Upon interception, the rider abandoned a Ghana-Must-Go 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 Pencr 370 pieces of Five Pence.
“Similarly, on 1st April 2025, operatives intercepted a Mazda vehicle suspected of carrying smuggled items along the 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, Three Hundred and Thirty- Eight (338) pieces of 540 pieces of Twenty Penny and 785 pieces of Five Penny The total value of these seized foreign coins is 48,975million only. 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 in Nigeria”.
“In a related development, on 9th May 2025, our operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a red Toyota Avensis with registration number GGE 667 JN along the Badagry-Lagos expressway. The vehicle was found to be conveying 6 canisters of corrosive mercury suspected to be improvised explosive device concealed beneath five cartons of the Holy Qur’an. One suspect was arrested in connection with this seizure.
“Other notable seizures during the period include: Five Hundred and Fifty Three (553) parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), One Thousand Four Hundred and Fifteen (1,415) bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 750 kegs of PMS (30kg each), 30 cartons of Tobacco, 50 cartons of Ketchup Tomato, One (1) boat and engine, 50 bales of second-hand clothing, 5 Vehicles (means of conveyance) and also Unregistered pharmaceuticals, including 420 bottles of CA-C100 Vitamin C and Haldol injection (5ml).
“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seizures during the period under review is N669, 72Billion
“In line with our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, we shall be handing over the seized Cannabis Sativa, Corrosive Mercury canisters 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.
“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.”
