By Ólòpá Úlègbé
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Wednesday, said the service has impounded
10,598 pieces of various arms and 114,929 pieces of ammunition worth N9.58billion in six years.
Speaking during a press conference on enforcement activities in the zone A of the service, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said that 60 per cent of the seizures occured within 2023.
He said the statistics highlighted the intensification of the Customs’ efforts to nip importation of arms into the country in the bud.
“The scale and sophistication of these illicit activities are alarming. Since 2018 the NCS has 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 per cent of these seizures occurred within the past year alone.
“This recent surge accounts for 34.67 per cent of the total DPV, 20.58 per cent of the arms seized, and a staggering 99.62 per cent 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 interests,” the CG stated
In a related development, the Customs CG said the service made a single largest seizure of pangolin scales since 2020.
Adeniyi, stated that the seizure was in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), in Kano/Kaduna as well as in Lagos.
“On August 8, 2024, the Customs Service, in collaboration with our main partner, the Wildlife Justice Commission, conducted a joint enforcement operation resulting in the seizure of 9,493 kg of pangolin scales. This operation, carried out in two separate locations, represents the largest seizure of pangolin scales globally since January 2020.
“The Kano/Kaduna operation yielded 2,293 tons of pangolin scales and led to two arrests. The Lagos operation resulted in the seizure of 7.2 tons of pangolin scales and two additional arrests. A total of 4 persons were arrested in connection with these operations that is, 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.
“The Service remains committed to 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 partners to eradicate this illegal trade and ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions. An operation in Kebbi state led to the seizure of 445.45 kg 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, 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,” the CGC stated.
