Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
The Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service Port Harcourt has seizes sacks of used second hand shoes, pangolin scales and Elephant tusk and other assorted illegal items.
The Command has made a significant breakthrough in combating 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 waterway along Ibaka-Bakasi beach highlighting Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species of Wild Fauna And Flora (Cites).
This resulted in the confiscation of a sizable 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 (DPV) of Six Hundred and Eighty Million, Two Hundred and Ninety Thousand, Four Hundred Naira Only (680,290,400.00) which are highly sought-after in illegal international markets.
This interception represents a significant blow on the illicit trade in these endangered species, reinforcing Nigeria’s war against wildlife smuggling, and fulfills its obligation under the Convention.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mike Ugbagu is thankful to the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for deploying gunboats and logistic boats to the command. These additional resources greatly enhanced the commands ability to patrol and secure the south-south coatsal waterways effectively and combing the beaches effectively.
The Comptroller reiterates his commitment to provide officers with the necessary tools and support needed to safeguard the nations natural resources/ habitat.
The seizure of the Pangolins scales and Elephant Tusk underscores the urgent need for concerted global effort to combat wildlife trafficking. These heinous activities not only endanger vulnerable species but also contribute to organize 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 it rich biodiversity.
The Customs Area Controller commend his officers for their dedication and professionalism in executing this operation. The successful seizure of these wildlife products showcase the effectiveness and collaborative efforts between the enforcement agencies which the Customs Area Controller sought for with the Nigerian Navy and other agencies operating along the waterways of Ibaka-Bakasi beach in curbing the illegal wildlife trade and other forms of smuggling.
Comptroller Mike Ugbagu reiterates that the Eastern Marine Command under his watch will continue to intensify its efforts in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage. This seizure of pangolin scales and elephant tusks sends a strong message to wildlife traffickers in their activities will not be tolerated and they will face severe consequences for their illegal activities if caught.
The customs Area Controller has reinvigorated and strengthened the patrol teams along the waterways for a 24hours patrol and combating the beaches.
The Customs Area Controller calls on the general public to assist the command with more useful information on the trade of illicit wildlife.
