The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Mr Adewale Adeniyi has hinted of an ongoing move by his administration to fish out Customs officers who are aiding and abeting drug trafficking into Nigeria in collaboration with some seaport and bonded terminals across the country.
While briefing newsmen at Tincan Island Port in Lagos where over N4 billion worth of illicit drugs were intercepted recently, Adeniyi expressed concerns over the worrisome pace and volume of illicit drugs trafficked into the country and intercepted by the Customs. He said intelligence had revealed that some bad eggs in the service in connivance with some bonded terminals were aiding drug trafficking.
He disclosed that the search for culpable officers and terminals is currently going on, adding that severe sanctions would apply, including dismissal as required by the laws of Nigeria.
He said: “The activities of drug traffickers are being seen at our terminals, not only at Tincan Port Lagos but also at Apapa Port, and ports in Onne and Port Harcourt in Rivers State. We have observed also that some bonded terminals are involved. The use of bonded terminals is to facilitate trade, but now intelligence suggests that a lot of abuse is going on at the bonded terminals and we understand that without the connivance of some Customs officers, such abuses cannot happen.
“We are doing our investigations and we will apply sanctions on any officer found culpable of such offences within the ambit of our laws.”
The Customs boss also disclosed that he was working to sign memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with certain countries from where a large amount of illicit drugs are originated to Nigeria. He named China, India and Turkey as countries he is currently seeking an MoU, assuring that as soon as he gets approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the international collaborations would be effected.
In recent times, the NCS has reported a number of successfully executed interceptions and seizures of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition, illegal wildlife and petroleum products at various locations, representing a concerted effort to prevent illegal entry and exit in and out of the country through diverse routes and means of conveyances.
Adeniyi said these interceptions have brought to light a concerning trend wherein criminal networks engage in collaborative attempts to subvert the competency of the agencies tasked with mitigating the trafficking of such illicit substances.
He explained: “The misuse and abuse of drugs, particularly Cannabis Indica and codeine, pose severe dangers to our society. Codeine, a restricted drug in Nigeria, has been widely abused, leading to devastating effects on our youth.
“This substance not only impairs the health and well-being of individuals but also contributes to the rise in criminal activities. Cannabis Indica, similarly, has become a significant concern, with its abuse leading to mental health issues, addiction, and social problems.
“Unchecked activities involving restricted items serve multiple purposes for criminal elements. These drugs, for instance, are used as stimulants by criminals, further fuelling societal unrest and instability. Additionally, the proceeds from the illicit drug trade are often used to finance disruptions by non-state actors, posing a significant threat to our national security and economic stability.”
