ZAINAB JUNAID
The porosity of Onne Port, Rivers State, has continued to trigger unabated inflow of prohibited goods, arms and ammunition into the Country and of course poses security threats to the existence of our Nation.
Despite the technology put in place by security personnel to improve the Nation’s ability to detect and prosecute all forms of illegal activities, the influx of illicit items through this Port continued to persist.
Barely three months that Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command announced the massive seizures of illegal firearms and ammunition, and unregistered pharmaceutical products imported through the port, the Command has again reported another batches of significant seizures of twelve (12) containers with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦31,200,688,142.
This interception according to the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, who showcased the items at a press briefing held at Area 2 Command Onne, Rivers State on Wednesday, 4 September 2024, is a repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne Port.
He thus declared state of emergency at Onne Port saying their nefarious activities is an attempt to test the capacity of the Service.
“Their activities which are seriously obstructing the international supply chain and our pro-trade stance has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port,” CGC Adeniyi says.
“I want to emphasize that this is not just a Customs issue – it is a national security concern that affects every Nigerian. We are therefore calling on all patriotic citizens to assist us in this crucial endeavor. We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions. Your information, no matter how small, could be the key to preventing a potential catastrophe. Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port. For the next three months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a temporary but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity.
“I want to assure the business community and legitimate importers that this measure is not aimed at disrupting lawful trade. Our goal is to create a safer, more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive. We will work to ensure that lawful shipments are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible during this period. To those who may be tempted to continue these illegal activities, let me be clear: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in these crimes against our nation,” he added.
While showcasing the seizures on display, the Customs Boss revealed that twelve (12) containers of illicit goods were intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination.
To him, “Seizures on Display are One (1) x 40-feet container: Containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦923,040,000.
“Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of ₦4,716,573,846.
“Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦17,432,506,000.
“Five (5) x 40-feet containers: Containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦8,128,568,295.90.
“These interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering ₦31,200,688,142. This operation is not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of our intelligence network and the critical partnerships we maintain with other security agencies,” he added.
CGC Adeniyi explained further that these seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items. “The illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in accordance with our Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities.
“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the officers of the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command for their relentless efforts in safeguarding our nation. Your dedication to duty and your commitment to the fight against smuggling are commendable, and I want to assure you that your efforts do not go unnoticed.
“As we move forward, I want to reiterate our commitment that the Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will leave no stone unturned in our mission to protect the health and safety of Nigerians. We will strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law”.
