Amidst a string of high-profile interceptions at the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo has issued a stern warning to the public against falling victim to online fraudsters impersonating Customs officers to sell seized goods on social media.
Speaking during a press briefing at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post, Comptroller Oramalugo cautioned that criminal elements have been using fake social media accounts to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians into purchasing contraband allegedly auctioned by Customs.
“Let me clearly state that the Nigeria Customs Service does not advertise or sell seized items on Facebook, WhatsApp, or any unofficial platform,” Oramalugo declared. “We have verified social media handles and official communication channels. Members of the public should be extremely cautious and avoid dealing with anyone claiming to sell seized goods online.”
The warning comes on the heels of the Command’s latest operations, which led to the interception of a red Toyota Avensis on 9 May 2025 along the Lagos-Badagry expressway. The vehicle was found to be transporting six canisters of corrosive mercury—suspected to be components for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)—concealed beneath cartons of holy books. One suspect was arrested in connection with the case.
In addition to the suspected IED components, the Command seized ₦8.97 million worth of foreign coins, 553 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 1,415 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 750 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and large quantities of unregistered pharmaceuticals. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items amounted to ₦669,785,236.
Comptroller Oramalugo stressed the Command’s ongoing collaboration with other security agencies and confirmed that the seized narcotics, explosives-related materials, and illegal drugs will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
He also highlighted the Command’s achievements in revenue generation and trade facilitation. In April 2025 alone, the Command collected ₦847,058,879.30 in revenue and facilitated the movement of 2,029 trucks of made-in-Nigeria goods with a Free On Board (FOB) value of ₦16.9 billion.
The CAC reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders, promoting legitimate trade, and protecting the public from fraud and misinformation.