Customs Made N9.58 billion Seizures In Six Years

Customs Made N9.58 billion Seizures In Six Years
"These seizures and interceptions are some of the results of our new strategies and the dedication of out officers. However. they also reveal the persistent and evolving nature of the threats we face". - CGC Adeniyi 

Bisi Akingbade 

Nigeria Customs Service, NCS,  has intercepted 20 shipments which comprises 10,498 pieces of various arms and 114,929 pieces of ammunition, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of 9.58 billion since 2018. 

The Comptroller General of Customs , Comptroller Bashir Adewale Adeniyi while speaking at a press conference on enforcement activities of the Service within Zone A in Lagos, Adeniyi, said that 60 per cent of the seizures occured within 2023. 

CGC Adeniyi said 60% of the recent surge in these seizures occurred last year which accounts for 34.67% of the total DPV, 20.58% of the arms seized, and a 99.62% of the ammunition intercepted over the six-year period.

"These statistics not only highlight the intensification of our efforts but also reveal the evolving tactics employed by smugglers attempting to breach our borders. In response to this escalating threat. we recently declared a state of emergency, particularly following significant seizures of restricted goods, including pharmaceuticals and medicaments. The intricate connections between these diverse smuggling activities and the networks facilitating them are now the primary focus of our strategic operations, such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting. These among other initiatives represent the multifaceted approach adopted by NCS to fortify our operations and safeguard Nigeria's health and security interest".

The CGC noted that the alarming rise in wildlife trafficking, which not only threatens our biodiversity but also tarnishes Nigeria's international reputation. 

"The illegal trade in endangered species, especially pangolin scales, has positioned Nigeria as a key transit point in the global wildlife trafficking network. This illicit trade decimates our natural heritage, fuels transnational criminal networks as well as undermines our national security and economic stability. 

"The embarrassment caused by these activities on the global stage is significant, potentially impacting our diplomatic relations and economic partnerships. It is imperative that we address this issue with the utmost urgency and commitment, 

"Now, let me share with you the details of our recent enforcement activities: a. Wildlife Trafficking, Our recent operations have yielded significant results in combating the illegal trade of endangered species: 

"On August 8, 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with our main partner, the Wildlife Justice
Commission, conducted a joint enforcement operation resulting in the seizure of 9,493 kp of pangolin scales. This operation, carried out in two separate locations, represents the largest seizure of pangolin scales globally since January 2020. a) The Kano/Kaduna operation yielded 2,293 tons of pangolin scales and led to two arrests. b) — The Lagos operation resulted in the seizure of 7.2 tons of pangoiin scales and two additional arrests. A total of 4 persons were arrested in connection with these operations: 2 in Kano and 2 in Lagos.

" These seizures bring the total amount of pangolin scales intercepted by NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission to nearly 20 tons since 2021, representing the loss of over 30,000 pangolin species. We acknowledge the crucial role of intelligence provided by our partners, which led to these successful operations. 

He reiterated on the Service  commitment in collaborating with domestic and international partners ; 3 to combat wildlife trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice. 

"Our efforts extend beyond major cities and ports to include supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas where many of these products illegally enter the country. We recognize the evolving tactics of trafficking networks and are adapting our strategies accordingly. 

"The threat to endangered species is unacceptable, and Nigeria will continue to work tirelessly with our paitners to eradicate this illegal trade and ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions. 2) An operation in Kebbi state led to the seizure of 445.45 kg of pangolin scales and the arrest of one individual. 3) In a related international case, we've made substantial progress in an investigation linked to a shipment from Onne Port, Port Harcourt, which was intercepted al Hai Phong Port. Vietnam. 

"The shipment contained 1,580 kg of elephant tusks. Three individuals, including both agents and sellers connected to this illegal export, have been arrested. b. Pharmaceutical Seizures. Our ongoing efforts to curb the importation of illicit and potentially harmful pharmaceuticals have yielded significant results: 1) On 15 October 2024, at Kachicares Resources Terminal, we examined a 40-foot container (No. SUDU8579006) declared to contain kitchenware. Upon inspection, we uncovered a concealment of 1,584 cartons of Barcadin Cough Syrup for Throat & Chesty Cough with Codeine, totalling 158,483 bottles (100ml each).
 
"This discovery highlights the sophisticated methods employed by smugglers to bypass our controls. 2) In a separate operation on 11! October 2024 at Apapa Port Command, we intercepted two 40-foot containers (Nos. MRKU0377493 and TGBU8886020) containing 300 bottles of CSP Cough Syrup. Alarmingly, 200 of these bottles were found to be expired, posing a significant public health risk. 3) These recent seizures are part of a broader trend we've — observed. 

He affirmed that between May 2023 and August 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service recorded 48 seizures of restricted pharmaceuticals and medicaments. 

"During the same period, we also intercepted 119 shipments of narcotics and Indian hemp, Lepurts of Mascot Sul wp of (2d - c. Rice Smuggling. We have seized a (otal of 7,155 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice. Of these, 3,235 bags were recently confiscated along the Erekiti waterside, Seme road, and Ogun state border areas.

Speaking on efforts made by the Joint Border Patrol Team Operations, he said Joint Border Patrol] Team Sector 2 in the Southwest Zone of Lagos conducted successful operations between 12 September and 14 October 2024, resulting in various seizures valued at 1.1 billion Naira. 

"These seizures and interceptions are some of the results of our new stratepies and the dedication of out officers. However. they also reveal the persistent and evolving nature of the threats we face. 

The CGC issued a stern warning to  those who persisted in these nefarious activities, that NCS, in collaboration with other security agencies, is more determined than ever to bring the full weight of the law upon you. "We are continuously enhancing our intelligence gathering capabilities, upgrading our — technological infrastructure. and strengthening our partnerships both domestically and intemationally. Your days of operating with impunity are numbered" 

He also assumed the law-abiding citizens and legitimate traders, |of the Service' commitment to facilitating lawful trade and protecting  the nation's economy. "We are here to serve you and to ensure that Nigeria remains a safe and prosperous nation for all" He said.

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