The Eastern Marine Command in Port Harcourt, Nigeria Customs Service, has intercepted various wildlife and contraband items with a total duty paid value of N680 million.
The Public Relations Officer of the command, Emmanuel Tangwa, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, explaining that the illegal goods were seized from various waterways under the command’s jurisdiction.
“The Eastern Marine Command of the NCS, 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,” he said.
Tangwa said the seizures reflect Nigeria’s steadfast dedication to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Providing further insight into the confiscations, he stated, “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 N680m.”
The command’s spokesperson stated that these interceptions signify a substantial setback to the illicit trade of endangered species.
Meanwhile, in the statement, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Mike Ugbagu, thanked the management of the service for deploying gunboats and logistic boats to the command.
He said, “These additional resources greatly enhanced the command’s ability to patrol and secure the south-south coastal waterways effectively and also combing the beaches,” the CGC stated.
Ugbagu reiterated the commitment of the command in providing officers with the necessary tools and support needed to safeguard the nation’s waterways.
“The seizure of the pangolins 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 organised 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 successful seizure of these wildlife products showcases the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between the enforcement agencies,” he said.
