FG imposes emergency measures at Onne port over arms importation

Due to the ongoing problem of dangerous cargo, including weapons and ammunition, entering the port, the Federal Government has declared a state of emergency at the Onne Port in Rivers State.

The emergency measure will be in place for the next three months.

These measures include the rigorous inspection of all containers suspected of containing dangerous or illegal cargo.

At a news conference in Eleme, Rivers State, on Wednesday, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi unveiled the NCS’s recent measures at Onne, underscoring the agency’s steadfast commitment to combating smuggling and upholding national security.

Adeniyi expressed concern that the repeated incidents at Onne Port compromise national security and alarmingly put the health and well-being of citizens at risk, as the port has become a hotspot for the importation of hazardous and illegal goods, a trend he deemed deeply troubling.

The customs boss said: “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.

“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 speak 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.”

He also said: “The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port have 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.

“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. 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 containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination.

“Seizures on Display: One (1) x 40-foot container: containing 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 (3) x 40-foot containers: containing 562,600 bottles of 100-ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of N4,716,573,846.”

Adeniyi said that the drugs that were seized were in three 40-foot containers, which included 380,000 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, 24.5 million tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5.35 million tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other illegal items worth a total of about N17.4 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV).

On other seized items, he said: “Five (5) x 40-foot containers, containing 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 N8, 128,568,295,90.

“These interceptions bring the total duty paid value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering N3I,200,688,142. 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.

“I want to emphasise 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.”

While noting that information is key in preventing what he termed ‘a potential catastrophe, the Customs boss said: “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 an 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 praised the officers and men of the Onne Command for their dedication to duty and service to humanity.

Adeniyi said: “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 in accordance with our Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities.

“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.”

Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and preventing the illicit importation of dangerous goods, declaring, “We will persist in our efforts to safeguard our nation, ensuring a secure environment for all citizens to prosper.”