The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has declared that it will continue to evolve, innovate and collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders in a bid to achieve its mandate of enforcing laws, safeguarding Nigeria’s future, protecting the health of the citizens and contributing to the country’s economic prosperity.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stated this, yesterday, during a media briefing on the NCS’ enforcement activities at Zone A in Lagos, saying that the service seized no fewer than 60 shipments comprising 10,498 arms and 114,929 ammunition with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N9.8 billion since 2018.
He cautioned those bent on engaging in nefarious activities to desist, saying: “The NCS in collaboration with other security agencies is more determined than ever to bring the full weight of the law on smugglers.
“We are continuously enhancing our intelligence gathering capabilities, upgrading our technology infrastructure and strengthening our partnerships domestically and internationally. I assure our law-abiding citizens and legitimate traders of our commitment to facilitating lawful trade and protecting our economy.”
Describing illicit activities as “alarming,” he said since 2018, the NCS had intercepted 20 significant shipments, comprising 10,498 pieces of various arms and 114,929 pieces of ammunition, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N9.58 billion.
“Notably, 60 percent of these seizures occurred within the past year alone. The recent surge accounts for 34.67 percent of the total DPV, 20.58 percent of the arms seized, while 99.62 percent of the ammunition were 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.
“Of particular concern is 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.
“The illicit trade decimates our natural heritage, fuels transnational criminal networks as well as undermines our national security and economic stability,” he stated.
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On Wildlife Trafficking, Adeniyi explained that operations of the NCS have yielded significant results in combating the illegal trade of endangered species, adding: “On August 8, 2024, the Service, in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) conducted a joint enforcement operation resulting in the seizure of 9,493kg of pangolin scales. The operation, carried out in two separate locations, represents the largest seizure of pangolin scales globally since January 2020.”
The Customs helmsman also disclosed that the Kano-Kaduna operation yielded 2,293 tons of pangolin scales and led to two arrests, while the Lagos operation resulted in the seizure of 7.2 tons of pangolin scales and two additional arrests with four persons arrested in connection with the operations, among others.
“These seizures bring the total amount of pangolin scales 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 the successful operations.
“An operation in Kebbi State led to the seizure of 445.45kg of pangolin scales and the arrest of one individual. In a related international case, we’ve made substantial progress in an investigation linked to a shipment from Onne Port in Port Harcourt, which was intercepted at Hai Phong Port, Vietnam.
“The shipment contained 1,580 kg of elephant tusks. Three individuals, including agents and sellers connected to the illegal export have been arrested. Our ongoing efforts to curb the importation of illicit and potentially harmful pharmaceuticals have yielded significant results.
“The threat to endangered species is unacceptable and we will continue to work with our partners to eradicate this illegal trade and ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions,” Adeniyi further stated.
