The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a shipment of suspected explosive materials cleverly concealed within five cartons of the Quran at the Nigeria-Benin border.
Operatives from the Seme Area Command made the discovery during routine checks along the Badagry–Lagos Expressway. The materials, which included corrosive mercury, were found in a red Toyota Avensis with the registration number GGE 66 JN.
Addressing journalists at the Seme Command headquarters, Customs Area Controller Dr. Ben Oramalugo confirmed the seizure and revealed that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the illegal consignment.
Dr. Oramalugo disclosed that the major bust occurred on the night of March 28, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., marking a significant breakthrough in the Command’s intensified operations against the smuggling of hazardous and prohibited items.
“In addition to the suspected explosives,” he noted, “the Command also seized foreign currencies during the month of April, totaling the equivalent of ₦8.9 million after conversion.”
He emphasized that investigations were ongoing to determine the source and intended destination of the intercepted explosives.
The alarming discovery has sparked serious concerns about the evolving methods used by smugglers to avoid detection, raising suspicions of a broader criminal network.
The Customs Service has urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may aid in curbing the smuggling of dangerous goods across Nigeria’s borders.
