EASTERN MARINE DEMONSTRATING COMMITMENT TO WILDLIFE PROTECTION … SEIZES PANGOLIN SCALES, ELEPHANT TUSKS OF AND OTHER ASSORTED ILLEAL ITEMS

 The Eastern Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service while demonstrating its commitment to the protection of wildlife and combating smuggling through the waterways in Nigeria, recently made a significant breakthrough with the seizure of a substantial quantity of pangolin scales, elephant tusks and sacks of used second hand shoes. 

The command in a press statement from the Public Relations Officer of the Command, SC.  NE TANGWA said the seizures took place in the south-south coastal water-ways along Ibaka-Bakasi beach highlighting Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species of Wild Fauna And Flora (CITES).

 

 The statement said the operation, which was led by diligent officers of the command, resulted in the confiscation of a 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 (DPV) of Six Hundred And Eighty Million, Two Hundred And Ninety Thousand, Four Hundred Naira Only (680,290,400.00) which are highly sought-after in illegal international markets. 

This interception represent a significant blow to the illicit trade of these endangered species, reinforcing Nigeria’s determination to protect its wildlife and fulfil its obligation under the CITES convention.

 

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mike Ugbagu used the medium to  thank the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for deploying gunboats and logistic boats to the command, saying “These additional resources greatly enhanced the commands ability to patrol and secure the south-south coatsal waterways effectively and combing the beaches effectively. The Eastern Marine command CAC reiterates his commitment to provide officers with the necessary tools and support needed to safeguard the Nations natural resources /habitat.

 

The seizure of the pangolins scales and elephant tusks underscores the urgent need for concerted global efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. These heinous activities not only endanger vulnerable species but also contribute to organize 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.

The Customs Area Controller, while commending his officers for their dedication and professionalism in executing this operation said the successful seizure of these wildlife products showcases the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between the enforcement agencies which the he sought for with the Nigerian Navy and other agencies operating along the waterways of Ibaka-Bakasi beach in curbing the illegal wildlife trade and other forms of smuggling.

 

Comptroller Mike Ugbagu reiterates that the Eastern Marine Command under his watch will continue to intensify its efforts in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage. This seizure of pangolin scales and elephant tusks sends a strong message to wildlife traffickers in the area that their activities will not be tolerated and they will face severe consequences for their illegal activities if caught.

 

The statement also revealed that Customs Area Controller has reinvigorated and strengthened the patrol teams along the waterways for a 24hours patrol and combing the beaches which has yielded positive outcomes leading to the significant seizure the command has just made.

 

It was also revealed that a highly productive stakeholder engagement parley organized by the CAC was held at the command’s headquarters in Portharcourt bringing together ship owners, agents and key stakeholders from the maritime sector to discuss and streamline the process of carrying out proper documentation of temporary importation papers, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business in the maritime industry in the south-south waterways.

This parley, according the the release showcased a strong commitment to facilitating international trade and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirement.

 

The event served as a platform for open dialogue and constructive engagement, allowing stakeholders to address common issues and propose practical solutions for improving the documentation process of temporary importation papers. The stakeholders were happy with the Customs Area Controller for organizing such a meeting which according to the stakeholders has not been held for a long time in the command.

 

The Command boss used the opportunity to calls on the general public to assist the command with more useful information on the trade of illicit wildlife.