The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has said that Seme border in Badagry area of Lagos accounts for 35 percent of smuggling activities in Nigeria.
The CGC made this disclosure in Lagos while showcasing the latest seizures of petrol impounded in the South West region in the last three weeks.
Adeniyi stated that in less than three months, Operation Whirlwind cumulative seizured a total of 245,370 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at NGN 238,140,000 and that Seme Border in Badagry accounts for 35 percent of the seizures.
Adeniyi explained that he had previously presented these operational successes in Adamawa State on January 30, 2025, noting that officers of the service intercepted 199,495 liters valued at NGN 199,495,000, and in Kwara State on February 17, 2025, with additional seizures of 45,875 liters worth NGN 38,645,000.
“The steady momentum of Operation Whirlwind is further demonstrated by the commendable performance recorded in Zone “A”, covering the Lagos/Ogun axis. I am pleased to present our latest operational achievements in this critical zone, which serves as both our nation’s commercial nerve center and a high-risk corridor for cross-border smuggling activities due to its strategic location along our western frontier with the Republic of Benin.
“Following intelligence-driven operations between January 11 and February 23, 2025, our vigilant officers under the Operation whirlwind, have successfully intercepted and seized a total of 28,300 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) being diverted through various concealment methods and smuggling techniques. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures amounts to Thirty Five Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira Only (₦35,800,000).
“These tactical operations yielded the following seizures: 1,132 Jerry Cans of 25 liters each, totaling 28,300 liters. Three vehicles used as means of conveyance, including: One Toyota Camry with Chassis No. JTDAT1237101922C7. One Volkswagen with Registration No. LAGOS-AAA-928FY and Chassis No. WVW222312LE114785 and One Toyota Camry with Chassis No. 4T1BG22KXXU582542.
“Our comprehensive analysis of the pattern of seizures across the Lagos/Ogun axis reveals significant insights into the dynamic smuggling tactics and dominant routes being exploited by these economic saboteurs. The seizures were strategically executed at identified smuggling corridors including: Badagry-Seme Corridor. Accounting for approximately 35% of total seizures, this remains the primary smuggling route with multiple interceptions recorded along Badagry-Seme Road and Badagry waterside. The proximity to the Republic of Benin and the complex network of waterways in this area continue to make it a preferred route for smugglers.
“Imeko-Afan Axis. Emerging as a significant secondary corridor with about 25% of total seizures, this area has seen increased smuggling activities, particularly at Oloko Afan, Obada-idieimi, and other remote communities within Imeko-Afan in Ogun State. Ilaro-Ojodan Network. Contributing approximately 22% of intercepted products, this network has become increasingly active with sophisticated smuggling attempts through Ojodan Road and Yerwa North areas.
“Owode-Ajilete Route. Responsible for about 18% of seizures, this route represents another emerging corridor being exploited by smugglers attempting to circumvent our traditional enforcement positions. The operational data reveals several emergent trends in smuggling tactics that warrant particular attention: Temporal Pattern Shifts. Unlike previous periods where night-time smuggling dominated, we now observe increased attempts during daylight hours, particularly between 0900hrs and 1400hrs, suggesting a tactical adaptation to our night-time enforcement operations. Community-Based Storage. The establishment of small, distributed storage facilities within border communities, serving as transit points for onward movement across the border. Vehicle Modifications. The use of specially modified vehicles with concealed compartments and falsified registration documentation, including vehicles registered in neighboring countries, highlighting the transnational nature of these smuggling networks.
Multiple Small-Volume Movements.A shift from large-volume single shipments to multiple small-volume movements using smaller containers, strategically timed to coincide wi“th periods of reduced enforcement visibility” he added
