In response to the discovery of numerous illegal shipments, including arms and pharmaceuticals, at the Onne Port in Rivers State, Nigerian authorities have enacted rigorous emergency measures.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed that these steps are part of a broader initiative to tackle the frequent influx of hazardous cargo.
Adeniyi made this announcement during a press conference, where he highlighted several recent interceptions by the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne.
He expressed alarm over the persistent threat posed by the illegal importation of arms and other dangerous goods through the port. “Earlier today, I, along with several stakeholders, took a significant step towards enhancing trade facilitation by inaugurating upgraded facilities provided by the West Africa Container Terminal, Onne,” Adeniyi noted, emphasizing the commitment to advancing legitimate trade practices.
Despite these advancements, Adeniyi expressed grave concerns about the ongoing national security breaches at Onne Port. He described the situation as deeply troubling, pointing out that the port had become a hub for dangerous and illicit cargo, endangering national security and public health.
During the press conference, twelve containers seized by Customs were displayed. Among them was a 40-foot container holding 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.
Additionally, three containers were found to hold 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup containing codeine and other items valued at over N4.7 billion.
Adeniyi also disclosed that three other containers had been seized, containing pharmaceuticals and items worth over N17.4 billion.
He assured the public of ongoing efforts to safeguard national security, stating, “The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will ensure that the full force of the law is applied to those involved in these criminal activities against our nation.”