The Zone A Customs Comptroller General Strike Force of the Nigeria Customs Service, has made a large Pangolin scales seizure and Elephant tusks worth billions of naira, and hree suspects in connection with the seizures were arrested.
The seizures, comprising 17,137.44kg Pangolin scales contained in 196 sacks, 4.60kg Pangolin claws and 870.44kg Elephant tusks were intercepted at a location on Ijeoma Street in Lekki, Lagos State after examination, the agency disclosed.
Displaying the items before newsmen in Lagos Wednesday, the
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), said the agency intercepted the items based on credible intelligence and collaboration between the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) and the Headquarters Strike Force.
Ali explained that the seizures complied with Section 63(e) and (g) of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), Cap 45 LFN 2004 as amended, and the items fall under Export Prohibition Schedule VI of the extant Common External Tariff, which prohibits export of same.
“Nigeria is signatory to CITES convention hence cannot be used as a transit hub,” he stated. “This feat is a testimony of what sincere collaboration between nations can achieve for our world, and individual nations in particular.
“Already, three suspects who are non-nationals have been arrested. They are Mr. Traore Djakonba, Mr. Isiak Musa and Mr. Mohammed Bereta. The kingpin, Mr. Berete Morybinet, is on the run, thinking he can evade the long arm of the law.
“Security agencies at all entry and exit points are on red alert to track and arrest him to face justice. He is therefore advised in his interest to surrender to the NCS.”
According to Ali, the suspects would soon be prosecuted, and the same treatment awaits any person or organization directly or remotely connected to this or any other illegal trade in wildlife.
“While thanking our partners, especially the wildlife justice commission, let me give assurances of the NCS’ determination to treat any and every information with utmost confidentiality and swift, appropriate action(s) to stem this tide of illegality,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Ali explained that the ever increasing and relevant functions of the global customs community inform the need for the agency to raise revenue, suppress smuggling and intercept illegal movement of items that can compromise national security, economy, health and environment protection.
“Deforestation and depletion of wildlife, especially the endangered species, have been a global concern, with nationals collaborating, sharing intelligence and expertise that would stamp out indiscriminate killings of endangered species,” he noted.
“In line with global best practices, Nigeria Customs Service has been in robust collaboration with embassies of united state of America, UK and Germany, with other quarterly meetings that provide platform for shared experiences.”
The product which is in high demand abroad due to its medicinal values has become a big time trade undertaken by smugglers in collusion with other economic saboteurs.
“Some of the suspects have reportedly confessed to having engaged in the trade for some time now until luck ran out of them arising from the network of intelligence and water-tight strategies at the disposal of the Zone A Strike force’s Co-ordinator.”
Nigerians have been urged to stop the poaching of the animal because it could go extinct soon. Roasted Pangolin scales are believed to cure cancer, relieve palsy and even stimulate breast milk. Pangolins are hunted for food, and for use in traditional medicines and as fashion accessories.
It is considered a delicacy in China, Vietnam and other parts of South East Asia. The scales are priced 3000 dollars per Kilogram, while the meat is 300 dollars per kilogram. Live Pangolin attracts 1000 dollars based on black market price.
The illicit trade largely accounts for the business to boom and attract international attention and about 10,000 Pangolins are poached annually.
Media Report
