In a decisive move against escalating security threats, Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has announced a state of emergency at Onne Port in Rivers State. This drastic measure comes in response to significant national security breaches linked to the port’s operations.
Addressing a press conference at the command’s Rivers warehouse on Wednesday, Adeniyi revealed that officers from Area 11 Command had recently intercepted “12 forty-foot containers loaded with illicit goods, valued at over N31 billion.”
The surge in the importation of dangerous and illegal goods through Onne Port has been described as an alarming trend. Adeniyi cited recent intelligence indicating that smugglers are exploiting the port’s trade facilitation efforts to undermine national security and public health.
“The focus of our operations has always been on supporting trade and economic development,” Adeniyi said. “However, the criminal elements exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit severe breaches have led us to declare a state of emergency at Onne Port.”
The emergency declaration follows the seizure of a substantial cache of arms and other illegal items. Adeniyi showcased the following significant interceptions:
-One container: 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N923,040,000.
-Three containers: 562,600 bottles of 100ml codeine cough syrup and 3,150 chilly cutters, with a DPV of N4,716,573,846.
– Another three containers: 380,000 bottles of codeine cough syrup, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, and 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, valued at N17,432,506,000.
-Five containers: 892,400 bottles of codeine cough syrup, 1,300,000 Really Extra Diclofenac tablets, and 7,250,000 Trodol Benzhexol tablets, with a DPV of N8,128,568,295.90.
The total value of the 12 containers amounts to N31,200,688,142. Adeniyi emphasized that these seizures underscore the command’s vigilance and the effectiveness of its intelligence network, bolstered by inter-agency collaboration.
In response to the ongoing threat, Adeniyi appealed to the public for assistance. “This is not just a customs issue; it’s a national security concern that affects every Nigerian,” he stated. “We urge all patriotic citizens to provide any intelligence they might have on these illegal activities. Even the smallest piece of information can prevent potential disasters.”
For the next three months, Onne Port will undergo enhanced inspection protocols. Adeniyi assured that the emergency measures are aimed at curbing illegal activities without impeding legitimate trade. Containers suspected of holding illicit goods will be opened if owners do not come forward.
The seized pharmaceuticals, including codeine and tramadol, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), while other items will be dealt with according to legal procedures.
“Our goal is to ensure a safe and secure environment for legitimate business activities,” Adeniyi affirmed. “The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to safeguarding Nigerians’ health and safety. We will continue to strengthen our intelligence efforts, enhance our partnerships, and enforce the law against those who threaten our nation.”
Adeniyi also commended the officers for their relentless dedication in upholding customs regulations and protecting the nation from illicit trade.
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