Nigeria Customs uncovered a consignment of suspected explosive materials, including corrosive mercury, concealed within five cartons of the Holy Quran.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a major seizure by the Seme Area Command, which uncovered a consignment of suspected explosive materials, including corrosive mercury, concealed within five cartons of the Holy Quran. The intercepted shipment was discovered at the Nigeria-Benin Republic border during a routine security operation.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Seme Command headquarters on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, confirmed the interception and revealed that a suspect linked to the consignment had been arrested and taken into custody for interrogation.
According to Dr. Oramalugo, the materials were being transported in a red Toyota Avensis with the registration number GGE 66 JN. The vehicle was intercepted during routine patrol checks along the Badagry–Lagos Expressway.
He further disclosed that the operation, which took place around 8:00 p.m. on March 28, 2025, marks a significant success in the Command’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on the smuggling of hazardous and prohibited items. In addition to the suspected explosives, the Command also seized foreign currencies during April, with a total value equivalent to N8.9 million.
Dr. Oramalugo emphasized that investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and intended destination of the confiscated materials, adding that the discovery may point to a broader criminal or smuggling network attempting to bypass security using deceptive and extreme methods.
In light of the incident, the Nigeria Customs Service has urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities that could assist in the prevention of illicit trafficking and the protection of national security.