Coming on the heels of a seizure of a huge cache of arms in July and 12 containers of illicit importations that pose threat to the country’ssecurity, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Cuatoms Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has declared a state of emergency on Onne Port in River State.
On Wedneaday, the Customs CG showcased illegal importations laden in 12 containers, which included military wears and illicit drugs intercepted by men of the trade regulatory agency at Onne Port.
Adeniyi said it was disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts despite the seizures of these illegal importations worth several billions of Naira in the last few months.
The state of emergency declared at the port requires that if there is intelligence information on any container, examination will be conducted on it without the consent of the importer, the consignee or his agents.
Adeniyi said: “Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.
“Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command. On display are twelve (12) containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination.
“The seizures are: One (1) x 40-feet container: Containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦923,040,000. Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of ₦4,716,573,846.
“Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦17,432,506,000. Five (5) x 40-feet containers: Containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦8,128,568,295.90.
“These interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering ₦31,200,688,142. This operation is not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of our intelligence network and the critical partnerships we maintain with other security agencies.”
The Customs boss emphasized that this is not just a Customs issue, but a national security concern that affects every Nigerian. He therefore called on all patriotic citizens to assist the agency in providing intelligence regarding those behind the nefarious acts and their intentions.
“Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port. For the next three months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a temporary but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity,” he said.
He however assured the business community and legitimate importers that this measure was not aimed at disrupting lawful trade, maintaining that the goal of the Service is to create a safer, more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive.
He continued: “We will work to ensure that lawful shipments are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible during this period. To those who may be tempted to continue these illegal activities, let me be clear: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in these crimes against our nation.
“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the officers of the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command for their relentless efforts in safeguarding our nation. Your dedication to duty and your commitment to the fight against smuggling are commendable, and I want to assure you that your efforts do not go unnoticed.
“These seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items. The illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in accordance with our Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities.”
Adeniyi further reiterated the Customs commitment to sustaining the current onslaught and momentum against smugglers and importers of illegal goods, stressing that the agency under his leadership, would leave no stone unturned in its mission to protect the health and safety of Nigerians.
“We will strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
