Nigeria Customs Service Clears Air on Poisoned Rice Allegations in Badagry

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has debunked widespread claims that it released allegedly poisoned bags of rice that led to multiple deaths in the Seme-Badagry axis of Lagos State, including that of a soldier.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Customs Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman, described the viral reports as false, misleading, and malicious, stressing that the command followed due process in handling all confiscated goods.

“The command has always adhered strictly to NCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding the disposal of seized items,” he said.

False Claims Trigger Panic in Border Communities

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had earlier reported panic among residents of Seme and Badagry communitiesfollowing rumors that contaminated rice seized from smugglers was redistributed by the customs command without proper clearance.

According to the unverified claims, the original owner of the seized rice allegedly invoked spiritual retribution after it was shared without his knowledge, resulting in deaths — including a serving soldier.

Sulaiman dismissed the claims as fiction, stating that no such incident occurred within the command’s Area of Responsibility (AoR) and that there had been no deaths among civilians or customs personnel linked to any seized rice.

“This narrative is entirely false and does not reflect the reality of the matter,” he insisted.

Customs Accuses Fake Journalists of Disinformation

The command spokesperson also called out individuals posing as journalists who, according to him, were spreading baseless and fabricated stories to mislead the public and discredit the operations of security agencies.

“We urge the public to disregard this unfounded story and refrain from spreading false information that could incite fear or undermine national security efforts,” he stated.

Seme Command Reaffirms Professionalism and Accountability

Sulaiman reaffirmed the leadership of Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, saying the command remains focused on its core mandates: revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and trade facilitation in line with federal fiscal policy.

“The Seme Command continues to uphold transparency, professionalism, and lawful procedures in all its activities,” the statement concluded.