The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported that operatives from the Seme Area Command, located at the Nigeria-Benin border, intercepted a shipment of suspected explosive materials, including corrosive mercury, hidden within five cartons of the Quran.
Speaking at the Seme Command headquarters on Wednesday, Customs Area Controller Dr. Ben Oramalugo confirmed the seizure and announced the arrest of a suspect linked to the illegal consignment.
According to Oramalugo, the materials were being transported in a red Toyota Avensis with the registration number GGE 66 JN. The vehicle was intercepted during routine checks along the Badagry–Lagos Expressway.
“In addition to the suspected explosives, the Command also intercepted various foreign currencies during the month of April, amounting to the equivalent of N8.9 million after conversion,” Oramalugo told journalists.
He revealed that the significant bust occurred on the night of March 28, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., describing it as a major breakthrough in the Command’s ongoing crackdown on the smuggling of hazardous and prohibited materials.
He said that investigations into the origin and intended destination of the explosive materials were underway.
Oramalugo said the arrested suspect had been taken into custody for questioning.
Meanwhile, the discovery has raised serious concerns about the lengths to which smugglers are going to evade detection with suspicion of the possibility of a broader smuggling or criminal network.
Hence, the Customs urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities that may aid in the fight against the smuggling of dangerous goods across the nation’s borders.
