The Nigeria Customs Service, Eastern Marine Command in Port Harcourt, has successfully intercepted a significant quantity of wildlife products and other contrabands with a duty paid value of N680 million, marking a substantial victory in the fight against illegal activities.
According to punchng.com, Emmanuel Tangwa, the command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed this achievement in a statement on Saturday. The interception took place at various waterways within the command, specifically along the Ibaka-Bakasi Beach in the South-South coastal region.
Tangwa highlighted the variety of contrabands seized, including pangolin scales, elephant tusks, and large sacks of used second-hand shoes. The interception underscores Nigeria’s commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
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Providing details of the seizure, Tangwa stated, “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 of N680 million were intercepted.”
The confiscation represents a significant blow to the illicit trade of endangered species.
The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Mike Ugbagu, expressed gratitude to the service’s management for deploying gunboats and logistic boats to enhance the command’s ability to patrol and secure the South-South coastal waterways effectively.
Ugbagu reiterated the command’s commitment to providing officers with the necessary tools and support needed to safeguard the nation’s waterways. He emphasized that such heinous activities not only endanger vulnerable species but also contribute to organized 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, Ugbagu added. He reassured that the Eastern Marine Command, under his watch, will continue to intensify efforts in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage.
