The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted arms and ammunition worth over N9.58 billion as part of its efforts to combat illicit trade and protect Nigeria’s security and health interests.
In a joint enforcement operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission on August 8, the NCS seized 9,493 kg of pangolin scales, marking the largest global seizure of pangolin scales since January 2020.
The operation, conducted at two locations, underscores the Service’s commitment to curbing wildlife trafficking.
Speaking to reporters in Lagos, Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi revealed that the arms and ammunition were confiscated over the past six years.
He also highlighted an operation in Kano/Kaduna, which resulted in the seizure of 2.3 tons of pangolin scales and two arrests, while the Lagos operation netted 7.2 tons of pangolin scales and two additional arrests.
A total of four people were detained in connection with the operations.
Adeniyi acknowledged the challenges Nigeria faces in delivering good governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, largely due to the actions of smugglers and economic saboteurs.
However, he emphasized that the Customs Service, in line with the administration’s progressive policies, has adopted a renewed approach to balance revenue collection, trade facilitation, and compliance with relevant laws.
Between 2018 and now, the NCS has intercepted 20 major shipments, confiscating 10,498 arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N9.58 billion.
Adeniyi expressed concern over the increasing sophistication of smuggling operations, noting that 60 percent of these seizures occurred in the past year alone.
He said: “Unscrupulous elements seek to exploit our current economic situation, engaging in smuggling activities that threaten the very fabric of our society. From arms and ammunition to narcotics, from restricted pharmaceuticals to staple foods, and even to our precious fuel resources – the spectrum of illicit trade is vast and varied. What is even more disturbing is the fact that these activities have been linked to clusters of criminal networks that seek to cause harm to Nigerians.
“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 (DPV) of 9.58 billion Naira. Notably, 60% 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 years.
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These statistics, Adeniyi said, not only highlight the intensification of their efforts, “but also reveal the evolving tactics employed by smugglers attempting to breach our borders.”
In response to the escalating threat. Adeniyi said that the Service has “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 NCS to fortify our operations and safeguard Nigeria’s health and security interests.
Of particular concern, the Controller-General said: “is the alarming rise in wildlife trafficking, which not only threatens our biodiversity but also tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation.”
The illegal trade in endangered species, especially pangolin scales, he added: “has positioned Nigeria as a key transit point in the global wildlife trafficking network. This illicit trade decimates our natural heritage, fuels transnational criminal networks as well as undermines our national security and economic stability.
“The embarrassment caused by these activities on the global stage is significant, potentially impacting our diplomatic relations and economic partnerships. It is imperative that we address this issue with the utmost urgency and commitment,” he declared.
On wildlife trafficking, Adeniyi said their efforts have yielded significant results in combating the illegal trade of endangered species.
On August 8, 2024, he said the Service, in collaboration with our main partner, the Wildlife Justice Commission, conducted a joint enforcement operation resulting in the seizure of 9,493 kg of pangolin scales. This operation carried out in two separate locations, represents the largest seizure of pangolin scales globally since January 2020.
“The Kano/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 pangoiin scales and two additional arrests. A total of four persons were arrested in connection with these operations: two in Kano and two in Lagos.
These seizures, he said: “bring the total amount of pangolin scales intercepted by NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission to nearly 20 tons since 2021, representing the loss of over 30,000 pangolin species. We acknowledge the crucial role of intelligence provided by our partners, which led to these successful operations.”
All the prohibited items seized by the Service were handed over to the relevant government agencies at the venue.
