Ex-Customs boss under probe over secret gate at Seme border used for massive smuggling of vehicles, rice, others

The former Customs Area Controller of the Seme Border Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, is reportedly under investigation over allegations linked to an illegal smuggling route allegedly created along the Nigeria–Benin Republic border.

Security and customs sources said Adenuga was allegedly arrested in February 2026 by operatives linked to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) following intelligence reports on suspected smuggling activities within the Seme border corridor.

According to the sources, the alleged operation involved the destruction of a section of the international border fence shared between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, where an iron gate was reportedly installed to facilitate the movement of contraband goods into the country.

The sources further alleged that thousands of vehicles, including Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), as well as prohibited foreign rice and other contraband goods, were moved through the route before the gate was later dismantled.

A video reportedly obtained by investigators allegedly showed vehicles and goods gathered around the gate awaiting passage into Nigeria, while another footage was said to show the area later sealed with concrete blocks after concerns were raised.

Insiders also alleged that the operation was coordinated by one Mr. Ope Oloko, described as a major smuggling operator around the Seme border axis.

Another source claimed the gate was installed overnight near the Customs command area before it was eventually removed, adding that billions of naira in customs revenue may have been lost through the alleged scheme, though the figure remains unverified.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reacted to the reports, saying it was not fully briefed on the allegations.

Speaking to Vanguard, the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said he was unaware of any official report concerning an alleged smuggling gate.

“I don’t really understand the narrative about the creation of a gate for the smuggling of goods,” he said.

However, he confirmed that Adenuga had been redeployed from the Seme Area Command to the Human Resources Department at Customs Headquarters in Abuja as part of routine administrative postings.

“As for any other allegation, I have not been briefed on it, and I cannot comment on what I am not properly informed about,” he added.

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