Onne: Customs seizes container load of military uniforms, declares emergency in port

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Onne, Rivers State, said it has again intercepted 12 40-foot containers loaded with military hardware and drugs valued at N31,200,688,142.

Worried about the trend of importing threatening cargo, including arms and ammunition through the port, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, yesterday declared that it would begin implementing emergency protocols at the port for the next three months by conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers on the premises.

Adeniyi said the recurring incidents were ultimately becoming very dangerous to national security and the health of citizens as the Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo, describing it as a disturbing trend.

Recall that in July this year, Customs announced the seizure of containers carrying arms worth N13.9 billion at Onne Port. Previously, cargo containing similar items had also been seized.

Adeniyi, who described the development as a grave concern to the government, listed the intercepted items to include one 40-foot container containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear; three 40-foot containers containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters; and three 40-foot containers containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine.

According to him, other items include 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol; five 40-foot containers containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine; 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac; and 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol.

He said the above interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering N31,200,688,142.

He said, “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 gaining 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-energising 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.

“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.

“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 endeavour. We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions.”

He assured the business community and legitimate importers that the measure is not aimed at disrupting lawful trade, saying that its goal is to create a safer, more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive.