Customs Eastern Marine Command Intercepts N12m Contraband, Intensifies Clampdown on Wildlife and Fuel Smuggling - ITREALMS

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The Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has significantly bolstered its enforcement and collaborative operations along the vital Oron and Calabar maritime corridors, a commitment recently underscored by the Area Controller, Comptroller AB JAJA, reports ITREALMS.

On November 13, 2025, Compt. JAJA undertook a series of strategic engagements and on-the-spot inspections across the Area of Responsibility (AOR), culminating in the showcasing of various seizures made by his vigilant operatives.
This official disclosure was contained in a press release issued by the Command's Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, from Port Harcourt.

In a comprehensive overview at the Oron Outstation in Akwa Ibom State, Comptroller JAJA revealed that the Command had successfully intercepted illicit goods with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N12,049,612.

The seizures included 3,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), several cartons of assorted pharmaceuticals of various brands, and, critically, two large sacks containing endangered species parts. The intercepted wildlife including chimpanzee heads, parrots, and helmeted hornbill parts, represents a clear violation of global Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulations.

The Comptroller used the platform to issue stern warnings to all maritime stakeholders, urging them to immediately desist from all forms of illegal importation or exportation. He emphasized that the Command’s officers remain fully alert to counter any act of smuggling and economic sabotage.

Specifically addressing the trade in wildlife, Comptroller JAJA strongly warned that anyone caught trading in or transporting endangered species would face prosecution, adding that the Command already had offenders, including women, in custody ready to be charged to court.

He further cautioned that any passengers found aboard vessels conveying such wildlife parts are equally liable under national and international laws.

Regarding the seized PMS, Comptroller JAJA condemned the act as economic sabotage, insisting that the Command would not tolerate attempts to smuggle petroleum products out of the country, highlighting the devastating economic consequences of such activities.

The enforcement drive was not only marked by seizures but also by collaborative action; Comptroller JAJA commended the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka for its intelligence-sharing support that continued to yield positive enforcement results.

He stressed that the fight against Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) is a multi-agency national effort coordinated by the NCS in line with local laws and global conventions, adding that Nigeria stands tall in this fight due to the unwavering commitment of the Customs Service.

The collaboration continued as the seized pharmaceuticals and some expired items, along with all illegally imported goods, were officially handed over to the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr. John Naeche.

This action, the Comptroller noted, aligns seamlessly with the synergy mantra promoted by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. 

Applauding the Eastern Marine Command, the NAFDAC State Coordinator commended the swiftness of the seizures and the adherence to regulatory procedures during the handover, assuring that NAFDAC would notify the Nigeria Customs Service of the scheduled date and location for the lawful destruction of the items.

By Bon Peters/Editor

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