Security Breach:Nigeria Customs Service Declares State of Emergency at Onne Port, Seizes Illicit Goods Worth ₦31.2 Billion

Security Breach:Nigeria Customs Service Declares State of Emergency at Onne Port, Seizes Illicit Goods Worth ₦31.2 Billion

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a significant move to safeguard national security, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has declared a state of emergency at Onne Port. This announcement was made by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, during a press conference held earlier today.

The declaration follows a series of alarming seizures by the NCS Area 2 Command, Onne, which revealed that the port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The seized items, displayed during the press conference, included a staggering array of illegal goods with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦31,200,688,142.

One (1) x 40-feet container: 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, DPV of ₦923,040,000.
Three (3) x 40-feet containers: 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, DPV of ₦4,716,573,846.
Three (3) x 40-feet containers: 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, DPV of ₦17,432,506,000.
Five (5) x 40-feet containers: 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, DPV of ₦8,128,568,295.90.
Comptroller-General Adeniyi expressed his concern over the repeated incidents of national security breaches at Onne Port. He highlighted that these illegal importations pose a significant threat to national security and the health of Nigerian citizens.

“Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo,” Adeniyi stated.

He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding national security and called on patriotic citizens to provide intelligence on those behind these illegal activities.

In response to these threats, the NCS has implemented emergency protocols at Onne Port. For the next three months, thorough examinations of all suspected containers will be conducted. If the owners do not come forward for examination, the containers will be opened to verify their contents.
“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.” the CGC said
He warned those who might want to try the resolve of the service by indulging in this illicit trade that the Service is well prepared to deal with them.
He said ,”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”

Adeniyi expressed deep appreciation to the officers of Port Harcourt Area 2 Command for their relentless efforts in safeguarding the 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” Adeniyi said.

He informed that the  seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items,adding than

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” the CGC assured.

” As we move forward, I want to reiterate our commitment to continuing this momentum. 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.

” I want to assure all Nigerians that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to be a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and the illegal importation of harmful goods. We will remain steadfast in our duties to ensure that our nation remains a safe place for all to thrive” Adeniyi affirmed.
This decisive action underscores the NCS’s commitment to maintaining national security and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians.