The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted smuggled goods, including petrol, a vehicle, and endangered pangolins, with a total duty-paid value of over N52.6 million.
The Nigeria Customs Service, specifically the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘D’, has recently made significant seizures of contraband items worth over N52.6 million. This action was highlighted by the unit's Comptroller, Abdullahi Ka’ila, during a press briefing where he elaborated on various illegal items intercepted in February from different locations. Among the seized items are 15,300 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), a luxury Mercedes-Benz ML350 believed to be smuggled, cartridges of foreign soap, and five live pangolins.
The confiscation of these items reflects ongoing efforts by the Customs Service to combat smuggling and protect endangered wildlife. Ka’ila emphasized the importance of wildlife rescue, pointing out the arrests of three suspects connected to the illegal trade of pangolins in Taraba State. This indicates a broader commitment from the Nigerian authorities to combat wildlife trafficking, which poses a severe threat to biodiversity and violates international laws.
The seizure of these goods not only highlights the challenges faced by the Nigeria Customs Service in curbing smuggling activities but also raises awareness about wildlife protection in Nigeria. The interception of contraband items, especially endangered species, prompts discussions on the need for stricter enforcement of laws related to wildlife conservation and the importance of safeguarding Nigeria's natural heritage from illicit trade practices.
