By Dansu Peter The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a shocking cache of suspected explosives, including highly corrosive mercury, i...
By Dansu Peter
The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a shocking cache of suspected explosives, including highly corrosive mercury, ingeniously concealed beneath five cartons of the Holy Qur’an. The illicit materials were discovered inside a red Toyota Avensis with registration number GGE 667 JN, which was stopped along the busy Badagry-Lagos Expressway.
Customs officials at the Seme Area Command made the discovery during a routine patrol and confirmed the arrest of one suspect in connection with the vehicle. Addressing journalists on Wednesday, the Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, said the seizure highlights growing threats to national security and underscores the urgent need for vigilance along Nigeria’s border corridors.
“This particular case is deeply concerning,” Dr. Oramalugo noted. “Six canisters of corrosive mercury—likely components of an improvised explosive device—were hidden beneath religious texts. It's a stark reminder of the lengths smugglers are willing to go.”
The shocking find was part of a broader crackdown on smuggling and illegal trade carried out by the Seme Command in recent months. In separate operations, officers seized a variety of prohibited items and uncustomed goods, including large volumes of foreign currencies smuggled into the country.
On March 28, operatives on stop-and-search duty intercepted a motorcyclist along Owode Road. The rider fled, abandoning a bag later found to contain various foreign coins—ranging from U.S. two-dollar pieces to British pence and Canadian quarters—valued at nearly ₦9 million.
Days later, on April 1, another smuggling attempt was thwarted when a Mazda vehicle loaded with additional foreign coins was intercepted along the same expressway. The total estimated value of the foreign currencies seized in these two instances stands at a staggering ₦48.975 million. According to customs regulations, these coins fall under Schedule 4, Item 18 of the Common External Tariff, which bans the importation of silver or alloy coins not recognized as legal tender in Nigeria.
The Seme Command also reported the confiscation of 553 parcels of cannabis sativa, 1,415 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and 750 kegs of petrol. Other seizures included 30 cartons of tobacco, 50 cartons of tomato ketchup, unregistered pharmaceutical products such as 420 bottles of CA-C100 Vitamin C and Haldol injections, as well as five vehicles used as transport means.
In total, the duty paid value of all seizures made during the review period amounted to ₦669.72 billion.
Dr. Oramalugo emphasized that the confiscated cannabis, mercury canisters, and pharmaceuticals will be handed over to appropriate agencies for thorough investigation and potential prosecution. “This reflects our commitment to collaborative law enforcement and national security,” he said.
The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated its dedication to suppressing smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, and safeguarding the country’s economy. “We remain resolute in our duties, undeterred by propaganda or mischief-makers,” Dr. Oramalugo concluded.
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