The Nigeria Customs Service has made a major breakthrough in national security by intercepting twelve containers filled with illegal goods at Onne Port, Rivers State. Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi revealed this significant seizure during a press conference in September 2024.
Adeniyi announced that the confiscated items, including military camouflage boots, substantial amounts of pharmaceutical products, and restricted drugs, have a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦31.2 billion. He expressed serious concerns about Onne Port becoming a hub for dangerous and illicit cargo, which poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s national security.
"The increasing frequency of illegal shipments through Onne Port has led us to declare a state of emergency," Adeniyi stated. "Although we support trade, criminal elements are taking advantage of our systems to import items that endanger our national safety."
The seized cargo includes:
- A 40-foot container with 4,800 pairs of military camouflage boots and 67,320 pairs of rubber footwear, valued at ₦923 million.
Three containers with 562,600 bottles of codeine cough syrup and 3,150 chilly cutters, totaling ₦4.7 billion.
Another three containers containing 380,000 bottles of codeine cough syrup, over 24 million Royal Tramadol tablets, and other harmful drugs, worth ₦17.4 billion.- Five more containers with nearly 900,000 bottles of codeine cough syrup, millions of unregulated drug tablets, and additional items valued at ₦8.1 billion.
Adeniyi underscored the crucial role of intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, and rigorous inspections in these successful seizures. He noted that while these actions reflect the vigilance of customs officers, they also highlight ongoing attempts to undermine Nigeria's security through illegal imports.
In response to this escalating threat, emergency protocols will be enforced at Onne Port for the next three months. All suspected containers will undergo thorough inspections, regardless of the presence of their owners.
The Comptroller-General urged Nigerians to assist in the fight against smuggling by providing intelligence on those involved in illicit activities. He assured legitimate importers that lawful trade will proceed without disruption during this heightened security period and emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service, in partnership with other security agencies, will take decisive action against those implicated in illegal activities.
Illicit pharmaceuticals will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), while other prohibited items will be dealt with according to legal procedures.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service's commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's borders, ensuring citizen safety, and maintaining a secure business environment.
“We remain steadfast in our efforts to combat smuggling and protect the nation from the threats posed by illegal importation,” he concluded.
This operation further underscores the Nigeria Customs Service's ongoing success in its relentless battle against smuggling and illicit trade.