The Eastern Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant breakthrough in combatting wildlife trafficking by intercepting a substantial quantity of pangolin scales, elephant tusks, and sacks of used second-hand shoes. The seizure took place in the south-south coastal waterways along Ibaka-Bakasi beach highlighting Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species of Wild Fauna And Flora (CITES).
The operation led by diligent officers of the command, resulted in the confiscation of a sizeable consignment of pangolin scales and elephant tusks amounting to 365.4 kg and six large sacks of used second-hand shoes with a total duty paid value (DPV) of Six Hundred And Eighty Million, Two Hundred And Ninety Thousand, Four Hundred Naira Only (N680,290,400.00) which are highly sought-after in illegal international markets. This interception represents a significant blow to the illicit trade of these endangered species, reinforcing Nigeria’s determination to protect its wildlife and fulfill its obligation under the CITES convention.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mike Ugbagu is thankful to the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for deploying gunboats and logistic boats to the command. These additional resources greatly enhanced the command’s ability to patrol and secure the south-south coastal waterways effectively and comb the beaches effectively. The Eastern Marine Command CAC reiterates its commitment to provide officers with the necessary tools and support needed to safeguard the Nation’s natural resources /habitat.
The seizure of the pangolin scales and elephant tusks underscores the urgent need for concerted global efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. These heinous activities not only endanger vulnerable species but also contribute to organize crime and illicit financial flows. Nigeria, as a responsible member of the international community, remains steadfast in its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and preserving its rich biodiversity.
The Customs Area Controller commended his officers for their dedication and professionalism in executing this operation. The successful seizure of these wildlife products showcases the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between the enforcement agencies which the Customs Area Controller sought with the Nigerian Navy and other agencies operating along the waterways of Ibaka-Bakasi beach in curbing the illegal wildlife trade and other forms of smuggling.
Comptroller Mike Ugbagu reiterates that the Eastern Marine Command under his watch will continue to intensify its efforts in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage. This seizure of pangolin scales and elephant tusks sends a strong message to wildlife traffickers in the area that their activities will not be tolerated and they will face severe consequences for their illegal activities if caught.
It should be noted that Nigeria’s Customs Service is a government agency responsible for facilitating legitimate trade, enforcing customs laws, and combating illicit activities, including wildlife trafficking. The Customs Area Controller has reinvigorated and strengthened the patrol teams along the waterways for a 24-hour patrol and combing the beaches. This has yielded positive outcomes and led to the significant seizure the command has just made.
Also, a highly productive stakeholder engagement parley organized by the Customs Area Controller was held at the command’s headquarters in Portharcourt bringing together ship owners, agents, and key stakeholders from the maritime sector. The objective of the parley according to the Customs Area Controller was to discuss and streamline the process of carrying out proper documentation of temporary importation papers, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business in the maritime industry in the south-south waterways. This parley showcases a strong commitment to facilitating international trade and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Ship owners, agents, and representatives from various maritime enterprises actively participated in the discussions, sharing their experiences, challenges, and valuable insights.
The event served as a platform for open dialogue and constructive engagement, allowing stakeholders to address common issues and propose practical solutions for improving the documentation process of temporary importation papers. The stakeholders were happy with the Customs Area Controller for such a meeting has not been held for a long time in the command.
The Customs Area Controller calls on the general public to assist the command with more useful information on the trade of illicit wildlife.
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