Former customs chief investigated for secret Seme border gate

By Efe Onodjae

Comptroller Wale Adenuga, former Customs Area Controller of the Seme Border Command, is reportedly being investigated for alleged involvement in an illegal smuggling route along the Nigeria–Benin border.

According to security and customs sources, Adenuga was arrested in February 2026 by officers associated with the Office of the National Security Adviser after intelligence indicated smuggling activities near the Seme border corridor.

Sources familiar with the case say the operation included tearing down a segment of the international fence that marks the Nigeria–Benin boundary, after which an iron gate was installed to allow contraband to enter Nigeria.

They also alleged that thousands of foreign vehicles—including SUVs—and prohibited items such as foreign rice were moved into Nigeria via the route before the gate was dismantled.

Investigators say a video captured vehicles and goods positioned around the gate awaiting entry into Nigeria, while another clip shows the area sealed with concrete blocks after concerns arose.

Insiders also claimed that Mr. Ope Oloko, a prominent smuggling operator in the Seme border area, coordinated the activities.

Another source said the gate was erected overnight near the Customs command area and later removed.