Nigeria Customs Raises Alarm Over Arms Smuggling, Wildlife Trafficking, Declares Emergency on Pharmaceuticals

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised concerns over a surge in arms smuggling and the export of endangered wildlife species, while also declaring a state of emergency on the illegal trade of pharmaceuticals and medicaments.

Speaking to newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday, Comptroller General of the Service, Mr. Adeniyi Adewale, emphasized the agency’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and protecting its economic interests. He outlined a new strategy aimed at balancing revenue collection, facilitating trade, and ensuring strict compliance with the nation’s laws.

Adeniyi highlighted the alarming scale of illegal arms trafficking, revealing that since 2018, the NCS has intercepted 20 major arms shipments containing a total of 10,498 firearms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N9.58 billion. He noted that a significant portion of these seizures—60%—occurred in the past year alone. This period also accounted for nearly 35% of the total DPV, 20.58% of the seized arms, and an astonishing 99.62% of the ammunition intercepted over the last six years.

“The challenges we face are formidable and multifaceted,” said Adeniyi. “Unscrupulous elements seek to exploit our economic situation by engaging in smuggling activities that threaten the very fabric of our society. From arms and ammunition to narcotics, restricted pharmaceuticals, staple foods, and fuel, the spectrum of illicit trade is vast and varied. These activities are linked to criminal networks that seek to cause harm to Nigerians.”

In response to the escalating threat, NCS has launched strategic operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting. These initiatives focus on disrupting the criminal networks behind the smuggling of restricted goods, particularly pharmaceuticals, and other sensitive items.

Adeniyi also expressed concern over the rising illegal trade in endangered wildlife, particularly pangolin scales, which has made Nigeria a key transit hub in global wildlife trafficking. He warned that the illicit wildlife trade, especially in endangered species, is undermining Nigeria’s national security, economic stability, and international reputation.

“Our recent operations have made significant strides in combating wildlife trafficking. On August 8, 2024, in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission, we seized 9.493 tons of pangolin scales in two separate operations, marking the largest such seizure globally since January 2020. In Kano/Kaduna, we seized 2.293 tons and made two arrests, while the Lagos operation resulted in 7.2 tons of pangolin scales and two additional arrests.”

Since 2021, the NCS and Wildlife Justice Commission have intercepted nearly 20 tons of pangolin scales, representing the loss of over 30,000 pangolins. Adeniyi stressed the importance of intelligence-sharing partnerships in achieving these successful operations.

The NCS remains determined to continue its fight against these illegal activities to safeguard Nigeria’s health, security, and biodiversity.