The Nigeria Customs Service has said that the repeated seizures of arms cache, ammunitions and other military hardware including uniforms in large quantities and other dangerous drugs at the Customs Area 2 Command, Onne Ports Complex in River State is of grave concern to the Service, as they constitute a major breach to the country’s national security.

Meanwhile, the Service has declared a state-of –emergency at the port, as it has commenced a temporary special protocol on all imported consignments for a period of three months as part of efforts to sanitise the system.

The follows the recent seizure of one unit of 40-foot container laden with 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value DPV of ₦923.1million, three units of 40-foot containers loaded with 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of ₦4.7billion.

Also seized were three pieces of 40-foot containers loaded with 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 contraband items with a DPV of ₦17.4billion, five pieces of 40-foot 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 ₦8.1billion.

Recall that the command had in June this year, seized a total of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition with a DPV of N4.2billion, which were concealed in a 40-foot container imported from Turkey. The arms and ammunitions were concealed among doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags laden in a 40-foot container.

Briefing newsmen during the unveiling of the seized items, Comptroller General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, noted that the 12 seizures with a total DPV of N31.2billion was not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance, but also to the effectiveness of the Service’s intelligence network and the critical partnerships it maintains with other security agencies.

“Earlier today, I had joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the course of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the WACT, Onne. As I express delight that trade facilitation is getting 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.

“These attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has 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. 

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

“Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command. On display are 12 containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination”, the CG said.

He however emphasised that the seizures were not just about Customs, rather a national security concern that affects every Nigerian and therefore called on all patriotic citizens to assist in this crucial endeavor, adding that the Service needs everyone’s help in providing intelligence regarding those behind the nefarious acts and their intentions.

He said: “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.

“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the officers of the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command for their relentless efforts in safeguarding our nation. Your dedication to duty and your commitment to the fight against smuggling are commendable, and I want to assure you that your efforts do not go unnoticed. These seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items.

“The illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrups 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.

“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.

“I want to assure all Nigerians 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.”