Seme Customs Controller Detained by NSA Over Secret Border Gate Smuggling Scheme

Comptroller Wale Adenuga, the former head of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command, was taken into custody by agents connected to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in February 2026.

The arrest follows reports that he facilitated large-scale smuggling by establishing an unauthorized entry point along the border between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

How the Smuggling Operation Functioned

Insiders indicate that the illegal scheme involved cutting through a section of the international border fence. A makeshift iron gate was then installed to allow vehicles and contraband to pass into Nigeria without oversight.

Video evidence obtained by reporters captured the gate, along with parked vehicles and goods awaiting transit.

This illegal opening was located roughly 250 meters from the Seme Area Command main office and was constructed under the cover of darkness between 12:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.

Reports estimate that over 10,000 foreign vehicles and significant quantities of banned foreign rice were moved through the route. The operation was allegedly managed by an individual identified as Ope Oloko. Following public backlash, the perpetrators dismantled the gate and filled the gap with concrete blocks to conceal the activity.

Allegations of Higher-Level Involvement

During questioning, Adenuga allegedly claimed that his activities were known to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Zonal Coordinator for Zone A. Furthermore, sources allege that billions of naira in potential customs duties were diverted into private accounts connected to the operation, with some claims pointing to roughly 15 bank accounts involved.

Administrative Aftermath

In March 2026, the NCS removed Adenuga from the Seme Command and ordered his transfer to the Customs Headquarters in Abuja to serve as Comptroller of Human Resources Development.

He was succeeded by Comptroller Kaila. Despite this order, sources suggest Adenuga has not reported to the headquarters, as he remains the subject of ongoing investigations.

NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, acknowledged the administrative reassignment but stated he lacked information regarding the smuggling gate allegations, emphasizing that the move was part of a standard internal rotation.