Adeniyi Declares State of Emergency On Onne Port

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has imposed a state of emergency on Port Harcourt Area 2 Command Onne, Rivers State.

The customs helmsman explained that the development followed a disturbing trend whereby the port has been turned into transit point for trafficking of arms and ammunition, in addition to the landing of illicit pharmaceuticals and other offensive imports; noting that the NCS will not tolerate acts that threaten the safety of citizens and the national security.

He expressed dismay that despite repeated warnings for those involved to turn away from their criminal enterprise and embrace legitimate trade, they have persisted and appeared hell bent at exploiting the trade facilitation stance of the customs administration.

Declaring the state of emergency at Onne, the CGC said, “It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.

“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 heel of a seizure of a huge cache of arms couple of months ago, it is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts.

“Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.”

This is even as the CGC showcased 12 container loads of illicit goods by the Onne Command with a Duty Paid Value value of N31,200, 688,142. While commending the leadership, officers and men of the command, the CGC said the operation is an indication of the resolve of the service to combat without let criminal activities of the unscrupulous elements in the bid to run them out of business through the network of intelligence sharing and collaboration.

“This operation is not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of our intelligence network and the critical partnerships we maintain with other security agencies.

“Earlier today, I had joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the cause of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the WACT, 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.

“As we are all aware, the policy thrust of Mr. President supports the re-energizing of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for exports. Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speaks to Trade facilitation and economic development. It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.”

“Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command. On display are twelve (12) containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination”, he said.

He listed the seizures all of which were on display to include one (1) x 40-feet container laden with 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦923,040,000; three (3) x 40-feet containers containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine; and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of ₦4,716,573,846.

Others are three (3) x 40-feet containers containing 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, and other items, with a DPV of ₦17,432,506,000.

Another five (5) x 40-feet containers on display contains 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, and other items, with a DPV of ₦8,128,568,295.90.

“These interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering ₦31,200,688,142”, he revealed.

While assuring legitimate business owners, importers and investors not to entertain any fear as long as they remain compliant, the customs number one chief appealed to Nigerians to cultivate the habit of assisting the customs service and its personnel with credible information about the bad guys and their evil activities.

“I want to emphasize that this is not just a Customs issue – it is a national security concern that affects every Nigerian. We are therefore calling on all patriotic citizens to assist us in this crucial endeavor. We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions. Your information, no matter how small, could be the key to preventing a potential catastrophe. Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port.

“For the next three months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a temporary but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity.

“I want to assure the business community and legitimate importers that this measure is not aimed at disrupting lawful trade. 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. 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.”

He continued: “I would like to express my deep appreciation to the officers of the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command for their relentless efforts in safeguarding our nation. Your dedication to duty and your commitment to the fight against smuggling are commendable, and I want to assure you that your efforts do not go unnoticed.

“These seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly 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 (NDLEA) in accordance with our Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities.”

Adeniyi said the service will not negotiate with criminal elements nor back down on its offensive, even as he said the service will continue to improve on intelligence sharing capability and to engage in a more robust manner.

“As we move forward, I want to reiterate our commitment to continuing this momentum. The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will leave no stone unturned in our mission to protect the health and safety of Nigerians.

“We will strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law.

“I want to assure all Nigerians that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to be a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and the illegal importation of harmful goods. We will remain steadfast in our duties to ensure that our nation remains a safe place for all to thrive”, he said.