Customs Warn Security Agencies to Steer Clear of Seme Border Without Legitimate Business

The Customs Area Controller of the Seme Area Command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Wale Adenuga, has warned security agencies to avoid the Seme border corridor unless they have genuine business there.

Adenuga said the order aims to eliminate unnecessary checkpoints and trade barriers along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor while preventing a planned protest by Badagry residents over harassment and disruptions to legitimate commerce.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with security agencies, border communities, and trade partners, Adenuga declared:

“If you don’t have any business on that road, we don’t want you there. I’m not going to rest on my oars until the number of checkpoints is reduced. Our oil revenue is declining, and we need to export more cargoes. The more we export, the better for our economy. I am warning every agency working on that road—go and reduce your checkpoints.”

Describing the current number of checkpoints as “disgraceful,” Adenuga said Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi had directed an immediate reduction to ensure no legitimate trade is delayed. He added that an implementation committee would monitor compliance, stressing that “it will not be business as usual.”

Community Leaders Decry Harassment and Extortion

During an interactive session, community leaders from Badagry condemned the conduct of some security operatives accused of harassment, extortion, and blocking roads.

Prince Joseph Adeoluwayemi Agoro of Apa Kingdom said, “When officers stop a vehicle, they should ask it to park instead of blocking the entire road. Many fights are caused by ‘camp boys’—unofficial recruits who maltreat people without restraint.”

Alhaji Yusuf Bashir Mohammed, Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Badagry West LCDA, criticised repeated meetings without tangible results, warning that growing frustration could spark protests.

“Our communities have decided to protest if nothing changes. We’ve had no electricity for seven years, and despite all these checkpoints, our facilities are vandalised. Female travellers are also harassed by military officers,” he said.

Comrade Muse Timothy, Chairman of the National Youth Council, Badagry, accused the Nigerian Quarantine Service of frustrating local farmers, while Mr Okey Iruegbu urged the Federal Government to lift the ban on vehicle importation through land borders, saying it had failed to stop smuggling but cost the government revenue.

Customs Pledges Reforms

The Oba of Kweme Kingdom, Oba Sejiro James Ogungbe, commended Customs for reducing clashes with smugglers but urged restraint, warning that “stray bullets can cause fatalities.”

Responding, Comptroller Adenuga said the directive on checkpoint reduction takes immediate effect, warning that any agency violating it would face arrest.

“If you don’t have any business on that road, don’t go there. Anyone who refuses to comply will be arrested. I have the backing of the CGC, the IGP, and the NSA,” he stated.

He confirmed that the use of “camp boys” had been abolished and promised sanctions for officers who engage them. Adenuga also pledged to revive the Customs Secondary School in Badagry as part of the agency’s Corporate Social Responsibility.

Capt. H.I. Medugu of the Nigerian Air Force, Badagry, added that CCTV cameras had been installed at Air Force checkpoints to ensure discipline and accountability, affirming the service’s commitment to President Tinubu’s vision of promoting revenue through efficient trade operations.