Customs: N9.58bn Worth Of Illicit Items Intercepted Between 2018 - 2024
… “Our new strategy is multifaceted, focusing on consolidating previous gains, fostering unprecedented collaboration with stakeholders, and integrating cutting-edge innovations into our operations.” ‐ CGC Adeniyi
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service has seized 20 shipments totalling 10,498 pieces of various armaments and 114,929 pieces of ammunition, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N9.58 billion since 2018, according to Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi.
Adeniyi stated that 60 percent of the seizures took place in 2023 while speaking at a news briefing on the Service's enforcement operations in Zone A in Lagos on Wednesday.
According to the CGC, the current spike is responsible for 99.62% of the intercepted ammunition over the six-year period, 20.58% of the seized weapons, and 34.67% of the total DPV.
“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, ” he said.
According to Adeniyi, who spoke about the Service's efforts to stop the illegal trade in endangered species, on August 8, 2024, the NCS and Wildlife Justice seized 9,493 kp of pangolin scales and detained four individuals.
Further speaking on Wildlife Trafficking, Adeniyi voiced concern about the startling increase, claiming that it not only jeopardises Nigeria's international reputation but also threatens the country's biodiversity.
He gave assurance that the Service is still dedicated to working with both domestic and foreign partners to combat wildlife trafficking and bring offenders to justice.
“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: 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 said.
On pharmaceuticals and narcotics, Adeniyi said that between May 2023 and August 2024, the NCS recorded 48 seizures of restricted pharmaceuticals and medications, 119 shipments of drugs and Indian hemp, 7,155 bags of 50 kg foreign parboiled rice, of which 3,235 bags were recently seized along the Erekiti waterside, Seme road, and Ogun state border areas.
The Joint Border Patrol Team in the South-west Zone of Lagos, according to Adeniyi, also carried out successful operations from September 12 to October 14, 2024, leading to a total of N1.1 billion in seizures.
The CGC emphasized that the NCS, in partnership with other security agencies, is more committed than ever to enforce the full force of the law on defaulters; he cautioned smugglers to desist from their evil acts.
“We are continuously enhancing our intelligence gathering capabilities, upgrading our — technological infrastructure. and strengthening our partnerships both domestically and internationally. Your days of operating with impunity are numbered”.
“To our law-abiding citizens and legitimate traders, I assure you of our commitment to facilitating lawful trade and protecting our economy. We are here to serve you and to ensure that Nigeria remains a safe and prosperous nation for all.”
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