The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised the alarm over a significant threat to national security following the interception of twelve 40-foot containers filled with dangerous and prohibited goods at Onne Port in Rivers State. These illegal imports, valued at over ₦31 billion, were seized through a combination of intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration, according to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Addressing the media at the Onne Port Command, Adeniyi stated that these “merchants of death” were attempting to undermine Nigeria’s trade facilitation and security measures. The Customs boss emphasized that the Onne Port command, led by Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, was fully prepared to combat the influx of such dangerous cargo.
“We have declared a state of emergency at Onne Port,” Adeniyi revealed, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The interception follows the discovery of a large cache of arms several months ago, indicating a worrying trend of illicit shipments through the port.
Among the seized goods were military-grade equipment, including camouflage boots, as well as a large quantity of codeine-laced cough syrup, tramadol, and other dangerous pharmaceuticals. Adeniyi emphasized that the scale of these illegal imports poses a direct threat to national security and public health, prompting the immediate implementation of stringent checks and emergency protocols at the port.
“We are conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers for the next three months. If owners do not come forward, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a necessary step to clean up the port and restore its integrity,” Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss also appealed to citizens for assistance, stressing that the fight against smuggling is a national concern, not just a Customs issue. He urged Nigerians to provide intelligence that could help prevent future incidents, noting that even small pieces of information could be key to avoiding potential catastrophes.
Adeniyi reassured legitimate traders that the new measures would not hinder lawful business operations but would instead create a more secure environment for genuine trade. However, he warned that unrepentant smugglers would face the full force of the law, vowing that the Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, would leave no stone unturned in prosecuting those involved.
The illegal pharmaceuticals will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), while other seized items will be processed according to customs regulations. Adeniyi concluded by reaffirming the Customs Service’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of Nigerians through enhanced vigilance and collaboration with other security bodies.
