The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency at the Onne Port in Rivers State following repeated incidents of dangerous cargo being imported through this port. This decision comes in response to concerns over the smuggling of arms and ammunition, as well as other illicit goods.
In a recent announcement, the government outlined that emergency protocols will be implemented at Onne Port for the next three months. These protocols involve conducting comprehensive inspections of all containers suspected of carrying illegal goods.
During a press conference held on Wednesday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, revealed details about recent seizures of illegal goods by the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, based in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. Adeniyi expressed grave concern over the recurrent breaches of national security and highlighted the disturbing trend of Onne Port being used as a conduit for dangerous cargo.
Adeniyi remarked, “Earlier today, I joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the cause of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the West Africa Container Terminal, 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.”
He continued, “As we are all aware, the policy thrust of Mr President supports the re-energising of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for exports. Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speak to trade facilitation and economic development.”
Adeniyi lamented that criminal elements in the international supply chain were exploiting Nigeria’s pro-trade stance to commit serious breaches of national security. He explained, “The 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 heels of a seizure of a huge cache of arms a couple of months ago.”
He expressed his disappointment that the illegal activities have continued unabated. Recent intelligence reports and seizures have revealed that Onne Port is increasingly being used as a hub for dangerous and illicit cargo. Adeniyi warned that the scale and nature of these illegal importations present a significant threat to both national security and public health.
The Customs boss showcased a series of significant seizures by the Area 2 Command. Among the items displayed were twelve containers of illicit goods that were intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination. The seizures included:
- One 40-feet container: This contained 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N923,040,000.
- Three 40-feet containers: These held 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of N4,716,573,846.
Adeniyi further detailed additional seizures:
- Three 40-feet containers: These contained 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, among other items, with a DPV of N17,432,506,000.
- Five 40-feet containers: These held 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, with a DPV of N8,128,568,295.90.
Overall, the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers amounted to an astounding N31,200,688,142. Adeniyi emphasized that these interceptions highlight the vigilance of the Area 2 Command and the effectiveness of their intelligence network, as well as their critical partnerships with other security agencies.
“This is not just a Customs issue; it is a national security concern that affects every Nigerian,” Adeniyi asserted. He called on patriotic citizens to assist in providing intelligence about those involved in these illegal activities and their intentions. He stressed the importance of information in preventing what he termed ‘a potential catastrophe.’
Effective immediately, the Nigeria Customs Service will implement emergency protocols at Onne Port. For the next three months, thorough examinations will be conducted on all suspected containers. If container owners do not come forward for examination, the containers will be opened to verify their contents. This measure is seen as necessary to clean up the port and restore its integrity.
Adeniyi assured the business community and legitimate importers that these measures are not intended to disrupt lawful trade. He stated, “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.”
He also warned potential offenders, “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.”
Adeniyi commended the officers and men of the Onne Command for their dedication and service. He noted that the seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly those concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items.
The illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency as per their Memorandum of Understanding. Other seized items will be dealt with according to the legal frameworks governing customs activities.
Adeniyi reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to continuing their efforts in protecting the health and safety of Nigerians. He assured that the NCS would remain a formidable force against smuggling and the illegal importation of harmful goods, promising to strengthen their intelligence networks, enhance inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who attempt to harm the nation face the full force of the law.
