Eastern Marine Command Tightens Grip on Smuggling as Comptroller JAJA Leads High-Impact Operations in Oron–Calabar Axis
Kathy Kyari
The Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its crackdown on smuggling and illegal wildlife trade, following a series of strategic field operations and stakeholder engagements led by Comptroller AB JAJA on 13 November 2025 across the Oron and Calabar maritime corridors.
During an on-the-spot inspection at the Oron Outstation in Akwa Ibom State, Comptroller JAJA showcased multiple seizures recorded by operatives of the Command in recent weeks.
The intercepted items include 3,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), assorted pharmaceuticals with a Duty Paid Value of ₦12,049,612, and two sacks of wildlife parts comprising chimpanzee heads, parrots, and helmeted hornbill parts, a clear violation of CITES regulations. The wildlife materials, he noted, have been deposited at the Government Warehouse in Calabar.
Commending the vigilance of his officers and the support of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, JAJA said collaboration remains central to the Command’s enforcement success.
He warned maritime stakeholders to steer clear of smuggling and wildlife trafficking, stressing that the Command remains on full alert.
“Anyone caught will face prosecution, as we already have offenders in custody ready to be charged to court. Sadly, some of them are women,” he said.
He further cautioned that passengers found aboard boats conveying wildlife parts would also be held liable under national and international laws.
Reiterating the multi-agency effort against Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT), JAJA stated that Nigeria continues to demonstrate leadership on the continent.
“Nigeria stands tall in the fight against trade in endangered species, thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he noted.
On the seized PMS, the Comptroller condemned the act as economic sabotage and cautioned individuals involved in diverting petroleum products out of the country. He maintained that the Command would not hesitate to bring offenders to justice.
In a coordinated inter-agency effort, JAJA also handed over the confiscated pharmaceuticals, some expired and all illegally imported—to the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr. John Naeche.
He said the action aligns with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ commitment to collaboration and regulatory synergy. Naeche commended the Command for its professionalism and assured that NAFDAC would communicate the date and location for the destruction of the items. He also congratulated the CGC on his recent professional milestones and applauded JAJA for strengthening inter-agency ties.
Earlier, the Customs Area Controller held a sensitization meeting with maritime stakeholders in Oron, emphasizing collaboration, compliance, and shared responsibility. He later travelled by water to Calabar to inspect the Command’s Outstation Jetty and meet with Comptroller CG OGBONNA of the Cross River/FTZA/Akwa Ibom Command. Both officers discussed strategies to deepen inter-command cooperation.
Comptroller JAJA reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to secure Nigeria’s waterways. He urged stakeholders to support lawful trade, respect regulatory frameworks, and work with the NCS to safeguard national security and economic integrity.
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