Wildlife and other banned items worth ₦680m in duty payments were seized by the Nigeria Customs Service’s Eastern Marine Command in Port Harcourt.
The Public Relations Officer for the command, Emmanuel Tangwa, conveyed this information in a statement on Saturday.
He confirmed that the interception of the assorted contraband took place at different waterways within the command’s jurisdiction.
‘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.’
‘The seizure took place in the South-South coastal waterways along the Ibaka-Bakasi Beach,’ he said.
Tangwa further stated that the seizures underscored Nigeria’s resolute adherence to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
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Giving details of the seizure, he added, ‘Sizeable consignment of pangolin scales and elephant tusks amounting to 365.4 kg and six large sacks of used second-hand shoes with a total duty paid value of N680m were intercepted.’
According to him, the interception dealt a notable blow to the illicit trade of endangered species.
In the statement, the Customs Area Controller overseeing the command, Mike Ugbagu, expressed gratitude to the service’s management for providing 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 also comb the beaches,’ the CGC stated.
Ugbagu restated the command’s pledge to furnish officers with the necessary tools and backing to safeguard the nation’s waterways.
‘These heinous activities not only endanger vulnerable species but also contribute to organised crime and illicit financial flows.’
‘Nigeria, as a responsible member of the international community, remains steadfast in its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and preserving its rich biodiversity,’ he added.
Ugbagu underlined the ongoing commitment of the Eastern Marine Command under his leadership to ramping up efforts in combating wildlife trafficking and preserving Nigeria’s natural heritage.