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Customs,Seme Command Rakes ?15.59bn Revenue in 2025,  …. Seizes Cannabis, Tramadol, Others

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6 months ago

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has generated a total revenue of ?15.59 billion in 2025
The feat marks its highest annual collection since the Command was established.
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This was contained in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Tunde Ayagbalo and copies  made available to Tide Newspaper in Port Harcourt
Ayagbalo said the  Command recorded a cumulative revenue of ?15,598,945,794.00 between January and December 2025, representing a 117 per cent increase compared to the ?7.16 billion collected in 2024.
He noted in December 2025 alone, the Command generated a record ?3.63 billion, the highest monthly revenue ever achieved by the Command.
“The historic performance was attributed to the effective implementation of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, which has enhanced coordination among agencies, improved trade facilitation and strengthened engagement with stakeholders operating along the corridor”
The statement noted that beyond revenue generation, the Command also sustained robust anti-smuggling operations. In December 2025, officers intercepted 685 parcels of Cannabis sativa, 495 packs of Tramadol, and 2,000 packs of Super Power Sildenafil tablets during intelligence-led operations, enhanced patrols, risk profiling and inter-agency collaboration.
The statement added that, in line with the Comptroller-General’s directive, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, reduced checkpoints along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor to the two locations approved by the Federal Government.
 “This move significantly eased legitimate trade, reduced delays and contributed to the Command’s improved revenue performance.”
Comptroller Adenuga warned smugglers that the Seme border is no longer safe for illicit activities, stressing that offenders would be intercepted and prosecuted using advanced intelligence, technology and unwavering vigilance.
 He advised smugglers to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law.
Adenuga however, assured legitimate traders and compliant stakeholders of a safe, conducive and efficiently facilitated Seme corridor, noting that Customs remains committed to seamless processes, reduced delays and the promotion of genuine cross-border trade and economic growth.
The Customs Area Controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Service’s management for their support and leadership. He also thanked officers and men of the Command, stakeholders, sister agencies, security operatives, the media, as well as traditional and community leaders for their cooperation,
The Seme Area Command also deepened its community engagement and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
 On November 11, 2025, it hosted the launch of the Green Border Initiative by the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, which featured an empowerment programme for members of the COWA Seme Chapter. Beneficiaries received industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, gas burners with cylinders and start-up grants.
By: CHINEDU WOSU
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Business

Navy Hands Over Five Suspected Stowaways to NIS

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3 weeks ago

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June 29, 2026

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The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has handed over five suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
The suspects were discovered aboard a merchant vessel, MT Chinafrie Happiness, in an attempted illegal voyage out of the country.
This was contained in a statement issued by Sub Lieutenant A.O. Ajayi, Naval Assistant to the Commander, NNS Beecroft.
The statement said the Handover is part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration aimed at strengthening maritime security, curbing illegal migration, and enhancing safety within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
According to the statement, the suspects were discovered on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, concealed inside the rudder compartment of the vessel while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.
The five suspects were safely evacuated by Naval Personnel’s and taken to NNS Beecroft for preliminary investigation, profiling, and documentation before being transferred to immigration authorities for further action.
The statement gave their identity as Segun Samuel Boyewa (31), Kingsley Chukwu (43), Joseph Judge (33), Moses Aletor (24), and Abdullahi Danlami (31).
Preliminary findings indicated that the individuals allegedly boarded the vessel while it was docked at Tin Can Island Port with the intention of stowing away to India without valid travel documentation or authorisation.
The statement also noted that stowaway attempts pose significant risks to human life and maritime safety, as individuals often hide in hazardous compartments of vessels under extreme conditions that could lead to injury or death.
The Naval statement  warned that illegal boarding of ships remains a serious maritime security challenge and called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to discourage youths from engaging in such dangerous and unlawful acts.
The statement reaffirmed the commitment of NNS Beecroft to sustained maritime security operations in line with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, aimed at maintaining a professional and effective naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting joint operations for national security.
Chinedu Wosu
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Business

Navy Nabs 13 Black Sand Miners In Bayelsa –Impound Two Boats

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3 weeks ago

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June 29, 2026

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The Nigerian Navy has arrested Thirteen 13 Black Sand miners in Bayelsa state
The Service also impounded two Wooden Boats used for the illegal operations
Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said this in a statement issued to Newsmen in Abuja.
Folorunsho said with the operation, the Navy had recorded another operational success in its efforts to curb illegal exploitation of natural resources
According to Folorunsho the operation was conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, following credible intelligence on the movement of boats suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities.
He said  the intelligence revealed  the boats were operating within the coastal communities of Brass Local Government Area.
“Acting on the intelligence, Naval personnel intercepted the boats at Lekeson and Liama communities, where large quantities of suspected illegally mined black sand were discovered onboard.
“A total of 13 crew members were arrested in connection with the activity,” he said.
The Naval Director of information said that the successful operation underscored the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and preventing the illegal exploitation of natural resources that undermine economic development and environmental sustainability.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against illegal resource extraction and other maritime crimes, while maintaining security and stability within the nation’s waterways,” he said.
Folorunsho also said that the two wooden boats recovered, the black sand and the 13 suspects have subsequently been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Nembe Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He said this was done in line with the extant procedures and directives of the Bayelsa Government.
The Naval spokesperson reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime resources.
 Folorunsho assured that it would also ensure that the nation’s waterways remain safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.
CHINEDU WOSU
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Maritime

NCS Holds Free Medical Outreach For 2,000 Daura Residents 

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2 months ago

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May 18, 2026

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held its 7th Retreat Medical Outreach in Daura, Katsina State,
Customs said the Free medical outreach is aimed at providing free healthcare services to residents of the area.
Speaking during the event, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Ahmad Tijjani-Abe, said the programme would provide general medical consultations, dental care, eye and ear care, as well as minor surgical operations for beneficiaries.
Tijjani-Abe said medical teams deployed for the exercise would also provide free medications to patients attending the outreach.
He added that the service would visit schools within the area to deworm students and distribute health kits and mosquito nets to help prevent malaria among children.
Also Speaking, Dr Ethelbert Ikechukwu, Medical Team Leader of the outreach said the exercise was part of the initiative of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which had been carried out in different parts of the country over the years.
According to him, the programme is designed to support communities where customs personnel operate by offering free medical consultations and medications to residents.
Ikechukwu further explained that patients whose conditions could not be fully managed at the outreach centre would be referred to appropriate medical facilities for further treatment.
Ikechukwu urged members of the public to take advantage of the exercise, noting that the medical teams comprised highly qualified healthcare professionals.
The outreach targets about 2,000 patients across various areas of medical care.
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