The Nigeria Customs Service on Wednesday said it has intercepted a total of 10,598 arms and 114,929 ammunition worth N9.58 billion in the last six years.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this at a news conference on enforcement activities in Zone A of the service.
The CGC said that 60 percent of the seizures occurred in 2023, highlighting the intensification of efforts by the NCS to nip importation of arms into the country in the bud.
Adeniyi said: “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 of N9.58 billion.
“Notably, 60 percent of these seizures occurred within the past year alone.
“This recent surge accounts for 34.67 percent of the total DPV, 20.58 percent of the arms seized, and a staggering 99.62 percent of the ammunition intercepted over the six-year period.”
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Adeniyi said that the statistics highlighted the intensification of efforts, and also revealed the evolving tactics employed by smugglers attempting to breach the borders.
He added: “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 the NCS to fortify our operations and safeguard Nigeria’s health and security interests.”
In a related development, the CGC said that the service made a single largest seizure of pangolin scales since 2020.
Adeniyi said that the seizure was in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission in Kano, Kaduna and Lagos States.
He said: “On August 8, the Customs Service, in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission, conducted a joint enforcement operation resulting in the seizure of 9,493kg of pangolin scales.
“This operation, carried out in two separate locations, represents the largest seizure of pangolin scales globally since 2020.
“The Kano and Kaduna operation yielded 2,293 tons of pangolin scales and led to two arrests.
“The Lagos operation resulted in the seizure of 7.2 tons of pangolin scales and two additional arrests.
“A total of four persons were arrested in connection with these operations, that is two in Kano and two in Lagos.”
Adeniyi said that these seizures brought the total amount of pangolin scales intercepted by the NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission to nearly 20 tons since 2021, representing the loss of over 30,000 pangolin species.
He said the NCS acknowledged the crucial role of intelligence provided by its partners, which led to these successful operations.
He said: “The 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 recognise the evolving tactics of trafficking networks and are adapting our strategies accordingly.”
According to the CGC, the threat to endangered species is unacceptable.
Adeniyi said that Nigeria would continue to work tirelessly with its partners to eradicate this illegal trade and ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.
“In a related international case, we made substantial progress in an investigation linked to a shipment from Onne Port, Port Harcourt, which was intercepted at Hai Phong Port, Vietnam,” he said.
He said the shipment contained 1,580 kg of elephant tusks,
He said three individuals, including agents and sellers connected to the illegal export, had been arrested.
The Comptroller-General assured legitimate traders of the commitment of the NCS to facilitating lawful trade and protecting the economy.
He assured the Nigerian public of continuous innovation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to meet the present challenges.
Adeniyi said that the service would sustain its efforts safeguarding the future of the nation, and protecting the health and safety of its citizens as they continue to contribute to the economic prosperity that President Bola Tinubu envisions for Nigeria.
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