Onne Customs seizes 12 containers of military uniforms, tramadol, codeine, others worth N31.2bn

Maureen Aguta

 

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of 12 containers of illegally imported military uniforms, tramadol, codeine and other illicit with a duty paid value of ₦31,200,688,142.

Breaking the news on Tuesday at Onne Port Complex, Port Harcourt, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, raised the alarm over the rising incidence of criminally minded importers trying to use Onne Port to import dangerous and illicit goods into the country.

He said that to this end, he has declared a state of emergency in Onne Port against importation of illicit and dangerous goods into Nigeria.

His words: “Earlier today, I had joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the cause of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the WACT, Onne. As I express delight that trade facilitation is gaining traction in Onne Port, I cannot help but call your attention to a grave concern.  This has to do with the repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne Port. I appreciate your presence, as we all have a shared responsibility in safeguarding our national security.

“As we are all 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 exports. Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speak to trade facilitation and economic 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 have 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,” he regretted..

He disclosed that recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; adding that Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo; saying the scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.

Breakdown of the seizures is as follows:

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 ₦923,040,000.

Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of ₦4,716,573,846.

Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 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, with a DPV of ₦17,432,506,000.

Five (5) x 40-feet containers: Containing 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, with a DPV of ₦8,128,568,295.90.

According to CGC Adeniyi, these interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering ₦31,200,688,142. This is as he disclosed that this peration 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.”

He said: “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 endeavor. 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. 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.”

He stated that the seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items; saying 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.

He stated that “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.”

He further assured 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,” CGC Adeniyi assured.