In response to escalating smuggling activities, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has declared a state of emergency at the Onne Port following the seizure of illicit goods worth ₦31.2 billion. Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, addressing the media, revealed the interception of twelve containers containing dangerous items, including military-grade boots, codeine-based cough syrup, tramadol, and other prohibited pharmaceuticals.
This seizure follows a pattern of increasing attempts by criminal elements to exploit Nigeria’s trade-friendly policies, posing a significant threat to national security. Adeniyi expressed concern over the port’s use as a hub for smuggling illicit goods, despite recent seizures of a large cache of arms. He stressed that these activities jeopardize the nation’s security and health, prompting the Customs Service to take decisive action.
The seized goods, discovered through intelligence and inter-agency cooperation, underline the severity of the situation. As part of the emergency measures, all suspected containers will undergo thorough inspections for the next three months, with unclaimed containers being opened for examination.
Adeniyi assured that while these protocols are in place, legitimate businesses will not be affected. He urged the public to provide intelligence on smuggling activities, reaffirming the NCS’s dedication to protecting the nation’s borders. The intercepted pharmaceuticals will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and action.
The Comptroller-General lauded the efforts of the officers at Area 2 Command for their vigilance and commitment, emphasizing the NCS’s resolve to continue cracking down on illegal importation and safeguarding Nigeria’s security.