By correspondent in Lagos.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Wednesday that it has intercepted a total of 10,598 arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition, valued at N9.58 billion, over the past six years.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed these figures during a press conference in Lagos which focused on enforcement activities in Zone A of the service.
He noted that 60 per cent of the seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting a significant escalation in the NCS’s efforts to combat arms smuggling.
“The scale and sophistication of these illicit activities are alarming. “Since 2018, the NCS has intercepted 20 significant shipments, totaling 10,498 pieces of various arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N9.58 billion. Notably, 60 percent of these seizures occurred within the past year.
“This recent increase accounts for 34.67 percent of the total DPV, 20.58 percent of the arms seized, and an astonishing 99.62 percent of the ammunition intercepted over the six-year period,”Adeniyi stated.
The CGC emphasized that these statistics show not only the intensified efforts of the NCS but also the evolving tactics of smugglers.
“In response to this escalating threat, we have declared a state of emergency, particularly after significant seizures of restricted goods, including pharmaceuticals and medicaments,” he said.
Adeniyi explained that the intricate connections between various smuggling activities, adding that the networks facilitating them are now the primary focus of NCS operations, such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting.
“These initiatives represent a multifaceted approach to fortifying our operations and safeguarding Nigeria’s health and security interests,” he added.
In a related development, the CGC revealed the service’s largest seizure of pangolin scales since 2020, made in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos states.
He said,:”On August 8, the Customs Service conducted a joint enforcement operation that resulted in the seizure of 9,493 kg of pangolin scales—the largest such seizure globally since 2020. The operation in Kano and Kaduna yielded 2,293 kg of pangolin scales, while the Lagos operation recovered 7.2 tons, leading to four arrests (two in each state).
“These recent seizures bring the total amount of pangolin scales intercepted by the NCS and the WJC to nearly 20 tons since 2021, representing the loss of over 30,000 pangolin species.”
Adeniyi acknowledged the vital role of intelligence provided by partners that led to these successful operations and reiterated the NCS’s commitment to collaborating with both domestic and international partners to combat wildlife trafficking and bring offenders 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 enter the country illegally. We recognize the evolving tactics of trafficking networks and are adapting our strategies accordingly,” he stated.
The CGC described the threat to endangered species as unacceptable and affirmed Nigeria’s dedication to eradicating this illegal trade and ensuring accountability for those involved.
In an international case, Adeniyi reported significant progress in an investigation linked to a shipment from Onne Port in Port Harcourt, intercepted at Hai Phong Port in Vietnam. This shipment contained 1,580 kg of elephant tusks, resulting in the arrest of three individuals, including agents and sellers connected to the illegal export.
He reassured legitimate traders of the NCS’s commitment to facilitating lawful trade and protecting the economy, promising continuous innovation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to meet current challenges.
“The service will sustain its efforts to safeguard the future of the nation and protect the health and safety of its citizens as they contribute to the economic prosperity envisioned by President Tinubu for Nigeria,” Adeniyi promised.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
