Customs seize N680m elephant tusks, others

The Nigeria Customs Service, Eastern Marine Command, Port Harcourt, said it intercepted different wildlife and other contrabands with a duty paid value of N680m.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Tangwa, said this in a statement on Saturday.

He said the various contrabands were intercepted at different waterways within the command.

“The Eastern Marine Command of the NCS has made a significant breakthrough in combatting 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 waterways along the Ibaka-Bakasi Beach,” he said.

Tangwa added that the seizures showed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Giving details of the seizure, he added, “Sizeable 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 of N680m were intercepted.”

He noted that the interception represented a significant blow to the illicit trade of endangered species.

Meanwhile, in the statement, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Mike Ugbagu, thanked the management of the service for deploying gunboats and logistic boats to the command.

“These additional resources greatly enhanced the command’s ability to patrol and secure the South-South coastal waterways effectively and also comb the beaches,” the CGC stated.

Ugbagu reiterated the command’s commitment to providing officers with the necessary tools and support needed to safeguard the nation’s waterways.

“These heinous activities not only endanger vulnerable species but also contribute to organised 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 its rich biodiversity,” he added.

Ugbagu reiterated that the Eastern Marine Command under his watch will continue to intensify its efforts in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage.