...Implements Emergency Protocols To Curb Importation Of Contraband Goods
…Intercepts 12 40-Feet Containers
By ERIC MOORE
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area 2 Command Onne, Rivers State, has declared a state of emergency in Onne Port, Rivers State.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, made the declaration in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, when he addressed journalists on the interception of 12 40-feet containers with illicit goods.
Adeniyi expressed concerns about the use of Onne Port in the importation of contraband and harmful goods, despite several warnings to individuals indulging in the prohibited cargoes.
The CGC regretted that some individuals were not giving up in importing goods that are a threat to national security.
He stated: “As we are aware, the policy thrust of Mr. President supports the re-energizing of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for experts.
“Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speaks to trade facilitation and economy development. It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.
“The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this Port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port. Coming on the heel of a seizure of a huge cache of arms couple of months ago, it is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts.”
According to the CGC, “Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.
“Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of Area 2 Command.
“On display are 12 containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and meticulous physical examination.”
Adeniyi explained that 11 of the seized containers contained cartons of illicit drugs, while a 40-feet container contained 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boats and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value of N923,040,000.
He disclosed that these interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering N31,200,688,142.
“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.”
The CGC stressed: “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 endeavour. 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 six 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.”