Nigeria records loss of over 30,000 pangolin species – Customs

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has decried the damage done to the image of Nigeria by the involvement of some unscrupulous Nigerians in the illegal trade in endangered species of wildlife.

The Comptroller-General of Customs said since 2021 to August 8, 2024 when the Nigeria Customs Service and its main partner, the Wildlife Justice Commission, conducted a joint enforcement operation, Nigeria has seized nearly 20 tons of pangolin scales, representing the loss of over 30,000 pangolin species.

The Customs boss made this known while addressing the press on the anti-smuggling activities of the Service in Lagos on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

According to Adeniyi, “Of particular concern is the alarming rise in wildlife trafficking, which not only threatens our biodiversity but also tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation. The illegal trade in endangered species, especially pangolin scales, has positioned Nigeria as a key transit point in the global wildlife trafficking network. This illicit trade decimates our natural heritage, fuels transnational criminal networks as well as undermines our national security and economic stability.

“The embarrassment caused by these activities on the global stage is significant, potentially impacting our diplomatic relations and economic partnerships. It is imperative that we address this issue with the utmost urgency and commitment.

“Our recent operations have yielded significant results in combating the illegal trade of endangered species:  On August 8, 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with our main partner, the Wildlife Justice Commission, conducted a joint enforcement operation resulting in the seizure of 9,493 kp of pangolin scales. This operation, carried out in two separate locations, represents the largest seizure of pangolin scales globally since January 2020. The Kano/Kaduna operation yielded 2,293 tons of pangolin scales and led to two arrests. b) — The Lagos operation resulted in the seizure of 7.2 tons of pangoiin scales and two additional arrests. A total of 4 persons were arrested in connection with these operations: 2 in Kano and 2 in Lagos.

“These seizures bring the total amount of pangolin scales intercepted by NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission to nearly 20 tons since 2021, representing the loss of over 30,000 pangolin species. We acknowledge the crucial role of intelligence provided by our partners, which led to these successful operations.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to collaborating with domestic and international partners ; 3 to combat wildlife trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice.

“Our efforts extend beyond major cities and ports to include supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas where many of these products illegally enter the country. We recognize the evolving tactics of trafficking networks and are adapting our strategies accordingly.

“The threat to endangered species is unacceptable, and Nigeria will continue to work tirelessly with our paitners to eradicate this illegal trade and ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions. An operation in Kebbi state led to the seizure of 445.45 kg of pangolin scales and the arrest of one individual. 3) In a related international case, we have made substantial progress in an investigation linked to a shipment from Onne Port, Port Harcourt, which was intercepted al Hai Phong Port. Vietnam.

“The shipment contained 1,580 kg of elephant tusks. Three individuals, including both agents and sellers connected to this illegal export, have been arrested.”

Pharmaceutical Seizures
He said “Our ongoing efforts to curb the importation of illicit and potentially harmful pharmaceuticals have yielded significant results: 1) On 15 October 2024, at Kachicares Resources Terminal, we examined a 40-foot container (No. SUDU8579006) declared to contain kitchenware. Upon inspection, we uncovered a concealment of 1,584 cartons of Barcadin Cough Syrup for Throat & Chesty Cough with Codeine, totalling 158,483 bottles (100ml each). This discovery highlights the sophisticated methods employed by smugglers to bypass our controls. 2) In a separate operation on 11! October 2024 at Apapa Port Command, we intercepted two 40-foot containers (Nos. MRKU0377493 and TGBU8886020) containing 300 bottles of CSP Cough Syrup. Alarmingly, 200 of these bottles were found to be expired, posing a significant public health risk. 3) These recent seizures are part of a broader trend we’ve — observed.

“Between May 2023 and August 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service recorded 48 seizures of restricted pharmaceuticals and medicaments.

“During the same period, we also intercepted 119 shipments of narcotics and Indian hemp. . x Lepurts of Mascot Sul wp of (2d – c. Rice Smuggling. We have seized a (otal of 7,155 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice. Of these, 3,235 bags were recently confiscated along the Erekiti waterside, Seme road, and Ogun state border areas.”

Joint Border Patrol Team Operations
Adeniyi said “The Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 in the Southwest Zone of Lagos conducted successful operations between 12 September and 14 October 2024, resulting in various seizures valued at 1.1 billion Naira.

“These seizures and interceptions are some of the results of our new stratepies and the dedication of out officers. However. they also reveal the persistent and evolving nature of the threats we face.”

The Customs boss warned the perpetrators to desist, informing that the Service has continuously enhancing its intelligence gathering capabilities, upgrading our — technological infrastructure to deal with smuggling and smugglers.

“To those who persist in these nefarious activities, I issue this stern warning: That Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, is more determined than ever to bring the full weight of the law upon you. We are continuously enhancing our intelligence gathering capabilities, upgrading our — technological infrastructure. and strengthening our partnerships both domestically and intemationally. Your days of operating with impunity are numbered.

‘To our law-abiding citizens and legitimate traders, | assure you of our commitment to facilitating lawful trade and protecting our economy. We are here to serve you and to ensure that Nigeria remains a safe and prosperous nation for all.”

The Comptroller-General however reaffirmed the commitment of the Service to its mandate, saying “We will continue to evolve, innovate, and collaborate to meet the challenges of our time. We will also sustain our efforts in enforcing laws: safeguarding the future of our nation, protecting the health and safety of our citizens, as we continue to contribute to the economic prosperity that President Tinubu envisions for Nigeria.”