… as Comptroller warns NCS would stick implementation of laws, policies, directives
In its continuous commitment to curbing anti smuggling activities the Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone B, Kaduna, has announced the interception of goods worth N3,175,084,217.75 billion in one month.
The seizures according to the Command included a significant quantity of donkey parts, raising concerns over the preservation of endangered species.
CAC of the Command, Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, made the disclosure in a press briefing in Kaduna.
The intercepted goods, according to him were found along the Sokoto/Gusau road in Zamfara, were being exported by individuals he described as “unscrupulous elements” that have no regard for endangered species like the donkey.
His words: “On April 25, 2024, operatives of the Unit, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a truck with registration number GGE 526XL along Sokoto/Gusau road in Zamfara state.
“The truck, brought to Kaduna for further examination, was found to contain 750 sacks of donkey bones, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) estimated at N2,363,500,000.”
Shuaib said one suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure, adding that on May 5, 2024, two Canter trucks carrying dried donkey meat were intercepted along Kontagora-Tegina road in Niger state.
“The trucks, after 100 per cent physical examination, were found to contain 860 sacks of dried donkey meat, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
The CAC emphasied that “these activities violate Section 55 (1) paragraph c and i (1) of the NCS Act 2023, which mandates prohibitions and restrictions to protect the health and life of humans, animals, or plants.
“The Act aligns with international laws and conventions on the trade of endangered species, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).”
He noted that the government is deeply concerned that the unpatriotic and illegal activities of some people, particularly smugglers, are driving donkeys, a rare animal, towards extinction.
Shuaib reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment as a signatory to international conventions protecting rare animal species, assuring that the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) would continue to combat illegal trade aggressively.
Giving the breakdown, he said between April 17 and May 17, 2024, the Unit made seizures valued at over N3 billion, attributing this success to the dedication and professionalism of the officers and men of the Unit.
” Let me at this point say that the Officers and men of the Unit are focused ,committed ,and prepared to continue to carry out their assignments with utmost sense of courtesy and unwavering professionalism,” he said.
While commending the officers commitment, the FOU B Comptroller and stated that the NCS is enhancing its anti-smuggling initiatives through improved intelligence gathering and information technology.
He therefore warned those who wish to test its resolve to have a rethink, saying that the NCS would not spare anyone in the implementation of the laws and policy directives of the federal government.