The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has disclosed that the scale and sophistication of illicit activities by economy saboteurs in the Nigerian borders and seaports are.becoming alarming.
CGC Bashir Adeniyi made this known on wedneaday 16th October at the Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja Lagos while addressing the press on the enforcement activities of the services in its pursuit of ensuring the security, health, and economic well-being of the nation.
According to the CGC, Nigeria has, in the past years
faced unprecedented challenges in a bid to deliver the dividend of democracy and good governance under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He hinted that the Nigeria Customs Service in alignment with this administration’s progressive policies, adopted fresh approach towards fulfilling its mandate of balancing revenue collection, facilitating trade and ensuring compliance with the relevant laws. “We have moved from a reactive lance to a proactive posture, from isolated efforts to integrated strategies and from a purely enforcement-driven approach to one that balances compliance facilitation with robust security measures.
“Our new strategy is multifaceted, focusing on consolidating previous gains, fostering unprecedented collaboration with stakeholders, and integrating cutting edge innovations into our operations.
“We are rewriting the playbook on revenue coliection, trade facilitation, and regulatory compliance, while strengthening our role as the vanguard against societal threats”.
He added that the evolution aims to serve the best interests of Nigeria especially in these times of economic adjustment, where citizens grapple with inflationary pressures triggered by efforts to manage exchange rate challenges.
He hinted that the Service now lean more towards persuasion than punishment, employing soft power over hard-line tactics. The strategy.which he said is necessary considering the current realities faced by Nigerians.
In his words “| want to emphasize that our resolve to protect Nigeria’s borders and interests remains in on clad. We are more repositioned than ever to adopt a more carrot-oriented approach in carrying out our operations, using soft power rather than a hardcore stick approach.
‘The challenges we face are formidable and multifaceted. Unscrupulous elements seek to exploit our current economic situation, engaging in smuggling activities that threaten the very fabric of our society.
“From arms and anmunition to narcotics, from restricted pharmaceuticals to staple foods, and even to our precious fuel resources – the spectium of illicit trade is vast and varied. What is even more disturbing is the fact that these activities have been linked to clusters of criminal networks that seck to cause hari to Nigerians.
“The scale and sophistication of these illicit activities are alarming. Since 2018, the NCS has intercepted 20 significant shipments, comprising 10,498 pieces of various arms and 114,929 pieces of ammunition, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of 9.58 billion Naira.
“Notably, 60% of these seizures occurred within the past year alone, This recent surge accounts for 34.67% of the total DPV, 20.58% of the arms seized, and a staggering 99.62% of the ammunition intercepted over the six-year period.
“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”
Speaking further, Adeniyi said that a particular concern is the alarming rise in wildlife trafficking, which not only threatens the country’s biodiversity but also tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation. The illegal trade in endangered species, especially pangolin scales, has positioned Nigeria as a key transit point in the global wildlife trafficking network.
The illicit trade, he said, decimates the country’s natural heritage, fuels transnational criminal networks as well as undermines our national security and economic stability.
He added that the embarrassment caused by these activities on the global stage is significant, potentially impacting our diplomatic relations and economic partnerships. It is imperative that we address this issue with the utmost urgency and commitment,
Giving details of the Service recent enforcement activities, the CGC said “in terms of Wildlife Trafficking, Our recent operations have yielded significant results in combating the illegal trade of endangered species.
“On August 8, 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with our main partner, the Wildlife Justice
Commission, conducted a joint enforcement operation resulting in the seizure of 9,493 kp of pangolin scales. 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, while the Lagos operation resulted in the seizure of 7.2 tons of pangoiin 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.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to collaborating with domestic and international partners ; to combat wildlife trafficking and bring perpetrators 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 illegally enter the country. We recognize the evolving tactics of trafficking networks and are adapting our strategies accordingly.
“The threat to endangered species is unacceptable, and Nigeria will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to eradicate this illegal trade and ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.
“An operation in Kebbi state led to the seizure of 445.45 kg of pangolin scales and the arrest of one individual. In a related international case, we’ve made substantial progress in an investigation linked to a shipment from Onne Port, Port Harcourt, which was intercepted at Hai Phong Port. Vietnam.
“The shipment contained 1,580 kg of elephant tusks. Three individuals, including both agents and sellers connected to this illegal export, have been arrested.
Other items seized are Pharmaceutical, of which he disclosed that the Service ongoing efforts to curb the importation of illicit and potentially harmful pharmaceuticals have yielded significant results.
He hinted that On 15 October 2024, at Kachicares Resources Terminal, the examined a 40-foot container (No. SUDU8579006) declared to contain kitchenware. Upon inspection, a concealment of 1,584 cartons of Barcadin Cough Syrup for Throat & Chesty Cough with Codeine, totalling 158,483 bottles (100ml each) was uncovered.
The CGC disclosed that the discovery highlights the sophisticated methods employed by smugglers to bypass the service controls.
Also in a separate operation on 11th October 2024 at Apapa Port Command, two 40-foot containers (Nos. MRKU0377493 and TGBU8886020) containing 300 bottles of CSP Cough Syrup was intercepted. “Alarmingly, 200 of these bottles were found to be expired, posing a significant public health risk. These recent seizures are part of a broader trend we’ve observed” he said.
Between May 2023 and August 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service recorded 48 seizures of restricted pharmaceuticals and medicaments.
During the same period, 119 shipments of narcotics and Indian hemp was also intercepted.
The Service also made seizures of 7,155 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice. Of these, 3,235 bags were recently confiscated along the Erekiti waterside, Seme road, and Ogun state border areas
Also, the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 in the Southwest Zone of Lagos conducted successful operations between 12 September and 14 October 2024, resulting in various seizures valued at 1.1 billion Naira.
“These seizures and interceptions are some of the results of our new strategies and the dedication of our officers. However. they also reveal the persistent and evolving nature of the threats we face.
“To those who persist in these nefarious activities, the NCS in collaboration with other security agencies, is more determined than ever to bring the full weight of the law upon you. We are continuously enhancing our intelligence gathering capabilities, upgrading our technological infrastructure and strengthening our partnerships both domestically and intemationally. Your days of operating with impunity are numbered.
“To our law-abiding citizens and legitimate traders, | 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.
“Nigeria Customs Service will continue to evolve, innovate, and collaborate to meet the challenges of our time. We will also sustain our efforts in enforcing laws, safeguarding the future of our nation, protecting the health and safety of our citizens, as we continue to contribute to the economic prosperity that President Tinubu envisions for Nigeria” CGC Bashir Adewale said
