By Efe Onodjae
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 disclosed that Adenuga was reportedly arrested in February 2026 by operatives linked to the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, following intelligence reports on alleged smuggling activities around the Seme border corridor.
According to sources familiar with the development, the alleged operation involved the destruction of a section of the international border fence jointly demarcating Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, where an iron gate was allegedly installed to facilitate the movement of contraband goods into Nigeria.
Sources claimed that thousands of foreign vehicles, including Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs, as well as prohibited foreign rice and other contraband items, were allegedly moved into the country through the route before the gate was later dismantled.
A video reportedly obtained by investigators allegedly showed vehicles and goods stationed around the mounted gate awaiting passage into Nigeria, while another footage allegedly showed the area later sealed with concrete blocks after concerns were raised over the operation.
Insiders further alleged that the activities were coordinated by one Mr. Ope Oloko, described as a major smuggling operator around the Seme border axis.
Another source alleged that the gate was installed overnight within a few hours near the Customs command area before it was eventually removed.
The sources also alleged that billions of naira in customs revenue due to the Federal Government may have been lost through the illegal operation, although the exact figure could not be independently verified.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reacted to reports surrounding the alleged illegal border gate and the reported arrest of the former Seme controller.
Speaking on the development to Nggossips via WhatsApp, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, said he was unaware of any official report concerning the alleged smuggling gate.
“I don’t really understand the narrative about the creation of a gate for the smuggling of goods,” Maiwada said.
The Customs spokesman, however, confirmed that Adenuga had been redeployed from the Seme Area Command to the Human Resources Department at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
“What I know is that we do have routine administrative rotations, where there is a need to rejig officers holding strategic commands and positions, and that has taken place,” he added.
Maiwada further stated that he had not been fully briefed on the allegations and could not comment beyond the official redeployment.
“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 stated.
He, however, confirmed that the former Seme controller had been removed from the command and posted to Abuja as part of the Service’s administrative adjustments.
Article Customs ex-boss faces probe over secret Seme border gate Live On NgGossips.
