Comptroller B.A. Balogun

The Federal Operations Unit FOU zone C, Owerri, of the Nigeria Customs Service, headed by Comptroller B.A. Balogun has made a high-profile seizure, intercepting a 40- foot container laden with salted donkey skin billed for illegal export with an estimated market value N3.6 billion.

The Dry Donkey skin is a product listed under the Export Prohibition list by the Federal government of Nigeria due to its implications on biodiversity, environmental balance and the illegal trade in endangered species.

The seizure, which is classified as dry salted donkey skin and a prohibited item, was unraveled by the vigilant operatives of the Unit following a comprehensive examination of the container.

Impeccable sources disclosed that the examination revealed that some were packed in 10 pieces per sack and nine pieces per sacks respectively, totaling 3,022 pieces.

Each dry salted donkey skin, it was further gathered, has an average weight of 4.5kg, bringing to a total weight of 13.599 kilogrammes.

It was also learnt that the global price of the dry salted donkey skin stands at $750 (USD) at a unit price of $166.6 per kilogramme. The means of conveyance has a price tag of N25 million.

This novel and high profile seizure by the Unit this year is seen by stakeholders as a product of credible intelligence as well as surveillance by vigilant officers of the unit under the able leadership of Comptroller Balogun.

Barely three months Upon assumption of office, Comptroller BA Balogun, despite the threatening level of insecurity, has left no one in doubt of his zero tolerance for corruption and illegal trades.  He has remained a no nonsense officer who, exhibits seriousness to his duties. No wonder, within a short period of time, the anti-smuggling profile of the Command speaks volumes already.

Comptroller BA Balogun, commended the dedication and professionalism of the operatives involved in the seizure. He emphasised that the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, remains fully committed to enforcing government trade policies and combating the smuggling of prohibited and endangered goods.

He further warned individuals and syndicate involved in the illegal trade of wildlife and restricted items to desist, as the Service will continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and strategic enforcement operations across all zones.

The Comptroller General of Customs has lauded the efforts of the operatives, reaffirming the Service resolve to uphold national laws, protect endangered species, and ensure Nigeria is not used as a hub for illegal wildlife trade.

The seized container is currently under investigation, and further actions will be taken in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant laws.