By Deborah Sunday Nnamdi
NIGERIA: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 12 40-feet containers ladened with illicit hard drugs, military fatigue, footwear, and other goods worth over N31billion at Area 2 Command, Onne ports, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Customs said the interception of the illicit cargoes followed credible intelligence and collaboration with sister security agencies. It declared a three-month emergency protocol at the ports to further sanitize nefarious activities.
It came barely six weeks after the interception of 844 units of assorted rifles, 112,500 rounds of ammunition and other contraband goods at the port in July.
Addressing newsmen after the seizures on Wednesday at the port, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed concern that despite several warnings, some individuals were determined to import cargoes that pose serious national threats.
He said, “I express delight that trade facilitation is getting traction in Onne Port. I cannot help but call your attention to a grave concern that has to do with the repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne ports.
“As we are all aware, the policy thrust of Mr. President supports the re-energizing of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for exports.
“Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speak to trade facilitation and economic development. It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.
“The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port. Coming on the heels of a seizure of a huge cache of arms months ago, it is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts.”
Adeniyi disclosed that 11 of the confiscated containers contained illicit drugs, 4,800 pairs of military and paramilitary camouflage rain boots, and 67,320 pairs of various plastic footwear, with a duty-paid value of N923,040,000.
“Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.
“Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of Area 2 Command. On display are 12 containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination.
“This operation is not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of our intelligence network and the critical partnerships we maintain with other security agencies.
“Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port. For the next six months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a temporary, but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity,” he said.
The Customs CG also used the medium to appeal to Nigerians to furnish them with credible information that would help in its sustained combat against crime and criminality in the country’s borders.
“We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions. Your information, no matter how small, could be the key to preventing a potential catastrophe.”
