FOU Kaduna Operatives Impound N3.9M Worth Pangolin Scales

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone B Kaduna has announced the seizure of pangolin scales worth about four million naira, as the unit up-scales its enforcement exploits under the irrepressible anti-smuggling czar, Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu.

Recently deployed to take charge of the unit, Shuaibu at a news briefing Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Kaniwa House Kaduna, head office of the unit  disclosed that the seized pangolin scale and its derivatives were intercepted within Kebbi state  axis of the zone.

A release made available to our reporter by the Unit Public Relations Officer, SC Sulaiman Isah quoted Comptroller Shuaibu said the quantity of the offensive products weighed 445.45kg.

The statement reads: “Members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, you are welcome to another media briefing to intimate you with the anti-smuggling exploits of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ Kaduna.

“You may recall that during our recent briefing on May 21, 2024, we declared our resolve not to allow illegal trading in endangered wildlife species and other smuggling activities to thrive in the Zone.

“Between that time and today which is barely two weeks,  our operatives have upped-the-ante in the combat against smuggling of protected species and successfully intercepted a consignment of Pangolin scale and its derivatives within Kebbi state  axis of the Zone.”

Shedding more light on the seizure which he revealed is the outcome of a robust, deliberate synergy and information sharing; he note that Nigeria will continue to collaborate with  the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flaura (CITES) towards the protection of endangered wildlife species.

“Acting on actionable intelligence the operatives storm a hideout known as (slaughter house) in the suburbs of Zuru Town in Kebbi State on Friday, May 24 2024 at about 1600hrs.  The team discovered and evacuated sacks of pangolin scales which were transported to the HQ of FOU Zone ‘B’ in Kaduna.

“After careful examination and counting, the pangolin scales  weighed 445.45kg. Let me once again explain that the pangolin specie is one of the endangered species that is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flaura (CITES).

“It is instructive that Nigeria is signatory to the CITES Convention and all forms of trading in this species are clearly illegal. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to partner CITES to forestall the identified species from going into extinction.”

Compt. Shuaibu middle, flanked by his principal officers, DC Enforcemen to the right, Isah left and others, during the briefing by the Controller

He continues: “The value of this seizure at the International market is Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Fifty-Five Million, Five Hundred and Ninety-Six Thousand Naira (#3,955,596,000.00) only. One (1) Suspect was arrested in connection with this seizure while the main suspect is currently at large.

Compt. Shuaibu making a point while showcasing the seizure

“However, the Unit in collaboration with other sister agencies will not rest on its oars until the main suspect is arrested and brought to book.

The success of this operation lies in robust intelligence sharing between the NCS and Wild life Office and the resilience by operatives of the Unit to leverage and utilize the coordinates given to them to make this arrest.”

Warning on the dangers of trading on endangered species, he said his professionally well trained officers and men will not negotiate on the mandate of the NCS, and will continue to carry out its task with professional efficiency and maximum sense of responsibility; and will not pretend to overlook acts of financial terrorism and or money laundering.

‘We wish to put it on record that the success of the operation is unique in that it was casualty free. From empirical evidence, we make bold to say that those involved in the illegal trafficking of endangered species are hiding under it to launder money used in procuring drugs, arms and other illegal merchandise.

“You can imagine the havoc this may have caused if it had escaped the eagle eyes of our operatives. I wish to call on the general public to continue to cooperate and stand with the NCS on its fight against smuggling. We must work together to salvage this country and to actualize the dream of our founding fathers.”

The Kaduna FOU boss explained that the offence contravene Section 55 (1) paragraph C and I of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act 2023, adding:

‘May l at this juncture repeat that the Unit shall continue to enforce the Federal Government policies in line with International best practices, no matter the campaign of calumny against the Service.”