Following the discovery of multiple illicit shipments, including arms and pharmaceuticals at the Onne Port in Rivers State, the Nigerian authorities have initiated strict emergency protocols.
Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi confirmed that the government is implementing these measures to curb the frequent importation of dangerous cargo.
Adeniyi revealed this at a press conference while unveiling several recent seizures by the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne.
He expressed concern over the rising threat posed by the repeated importation of arms and other dangerous items into the country through the port.
“Earlier today, I joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the cause of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the West Africa Container Terminal, Onne,” Adeniyi said, highlighting efforts to boost legitimate trade.
However, he noted, “I cannot help but call your attention to a grave concern… the repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne Port.”
Adeniyi described the situation as disheartening, revealing the port had become a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo, posing a significant threat to national security and public health.
On display at the press conference were twelve containers seized by the Customs Service. “Seizures on Display: 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 N923,040,000.”
Three additional containers were found to contain 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and other items valued at over N4.7 billion.
Adeniyi further revealed that more pharmaceuticals and items worth over N17.4 billion were seized from three other containers.
He assured Nigerians of continued efforts to protect national security, stating, “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.”