60 Checkpoints, Yet Petrol Flows Out and Rice Slips In via Seme Border

I joined a press briefing at the Seme Area Command after traveling from Lagos through multiple security posts. Despite counting 60 stops by Customs, Police, FRSC, Immigration and military officers, smugglers still move petrol across the border and rice back into Nigeria. A motorcycle ride revealed how smugglers now use village tracks like Adesungbeme/Azangbeme to bypass official posts. I saw kegs of petrol loaded in broad daylight and heard that rice and human trafficking operate under cover of night. Commercial drivers complain of routine N200 levies at each checkpoint, driving fares from Badagry to Seme up to ₦2,000 per passenger. Security officials, however, insist only two Customs posts at Agbara and Gbaji are official, labeling others as patrol bases rather than checkpoints. Local residents warn that extortion and illicit trade on this corridor harm cross-border commerce and tourism. They urge travellers to report any abuse with details of time, location, and vehicle registration for swift action.

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