TheNigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed concerns over the marked increase in arms imports and the smuggling of wildlife.
This situation has prompted the agency to declare an emergency regarding the control of pharmaceuticals and medicaments.
During a press briefing in Lagos, Comptroller General Mr. Adeniyi Adewale stated that the agency is committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and economic interests.
Adewale emphasized the need for a fresh approach to fulfilling the NCS’s mandate by balancing revenue collection, facilitating trade, and ensuring compliance with laws.
He noted that the scale and sophistication of these illicit activities are alarming. Since 2018, the NCS has intercepted 20 significant shipments, which included 10,498 pieces of various arms and 114,929 pieces of ammunition, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) estimated at N9.58 billion. Notably, 60% of these seizures took place in the past year alone.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, in alignment with this administration’s progressive policies, has adopted a fresh approach towards balancing revenue collection, trade facilitation, and compliance with relevant laws,” Adewale commented.
“We have transitioned from a reactive stance to a proactive posture, implementing integrated strategies instead of isolated efforts. Our new strategy is multifaceted, focusing on consolidating gains while fostering unprecedented collaboration with stakeholders and integrating cutting-edge innovations into our operations.”
Addressing the alarming rise in smuggling activities, Adewale remarked on the range of items involved, which includes arms, narcotics, restricted pharmaceuticals, staple foods, and precious fuel resources.
He underscored the disturbing connections between illegal activities and criminal networks seeking to harm the populace.
The NCS has declared a state of emergency, particularly in response to significant seizures of restricted goods.
“The intricate connections between 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,” he added.
These initiatives represent the NCS’s approach to fortifying operations to safeguard national health and security interests.
Of particular concern is the rise in wildlife trafficking, which threatens biodiversity and tarnishes Nigeria’s international standing. The illegal trade in endangered species, especially pangolin scales, has designated Nigeria as a key transit point in the global wildlife trafficking network.
Adewale stated that this illicit trade results in the loss of natural heritage and fuels transnational criminal networks, which undermines national security and economic stability.
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“On August 8, 2024, NCS, in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission, conducted a joint enforcement operation that resulted in the seizure of 9,493 kg of pangolin scales, marking the largest seizure of pangolin scales globally since January 2020,” Adewale noted.
This operation led to four arrests—two in Kano and two in Lagos—and brought the total amount of pangolin scales intercepted by NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission to nearly 20 tons since 2021. This figure represents the loss of over 30,000 pangolin species.
The NCS remains dedicated to combating wildlife trafficking and collaborating with domestic and international partners to bring perpetrators to justice.
Adewale highlighted the ongoing efforts to curb illicit pharmaceutical imports, noting significant seizures over recent months. Between May 2023 and August 2024, the NCS recorded 48 seizures of restricted pharmaceuticals, in addition to intercepting 119 shipments of narcotics and Indian hemp.
The NCS also reported a total seizure of 7,155 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice and emphasized successful operations by the Joint Border Patrol Team, which yielded various seizures valued at N1.1 billion from September 12 to October 14, 2024. Adewale issued a stern warning to those engaging in illegal activities, affirming that NCS, in collaboration with other security agencies, is resolved to impose the full weight of the law on offenders.
“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 ensure that Nigeria remains a safe and prosperous nation for all,” he concluded.