ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigeria Customs Service, Eastern Marine Command, Port Harcourt, has announced a substantial interception of various wildlife and contraband items, valued at N680 million.
The was reported by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Tangwa, in a statement on Saturday.
In the statement, Tangwa revealed that this successful operation took place at different waterways within the command’s jurisdiction, along the scenic South-South coastal waterways near Ibaka-Bakasi Beach.
Tangwa stated, “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.”
READ ALSO: Customs Seizes Illicit Goods Worth N241m In Ogun State
The seized items included “a sizeable consignment of pangolin scales and elephant tusks, totaling 365.4 kg, along with six large sacks of used second-hand shoes, all with a combined duty paid value of N680 million.”
This remarkable interception represents a significant blow to the illicit trade of endangered species.
In the same statement, the Customs Area Controller, Mike Ugbagu, expressed his gratitude to 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 comb the beaches.
Ugbagu emphasized the command’s unwavering commitment to providing its officers with the necessary tools and support required to safeguard the nation’s waterways, as these heinous activities not only endanger vulnerable species but also contribute to organized crime and illicit financial flows.
He added, “Nigeria, as a responsible member of the international community, remains steadfast in its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and preserving its rich biodiversity.”
Ugbagu reassured that under his watch, the Eastern Marine Command will continue to intensify its efforts in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage.