The rescued Pangolins.
Story by Dili Utomi.
The Federal Operations Units of the Nigeria Customs Service basically play the role of fighting against all forms of smuggling. They act as interventionist entities that seek to plug revenue loopholes in a form of post clearance audit.
The Nigeria Customs Service is basically mandated to facilitate trade, generate revenue and protect the national economy through anti-smuggling activities and this third leg of the mandates forms the raison d’etre of the FOUs.
The Zone ‘D’ of the Unit protecting the economy of the North Eastern part of the country is headed by a tough enforcement officer, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Ka’ila. They held a press briefing at the zonal headquarters in Bauchi where the helmsman detailed some of the achievements of the Zone over the past one month.
In his speech, the Customs Area Controller revealed that “during the period under review, the following items were successfully
intercepted and detained:
a) One (1) Mereedes Benz ML350 4Matic (2015 Model): Intcrcepted along the Abuja-Nassurawa axis on suspicion of being smuggled into the country.
b) 612 Jerrycans, 25 Liters each (15,300 Liters) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), : Seized at the Mubi axis in Adamawa Slate, intercepted while being prepared for illegal exportation.
c) 33 Cartons of Foreign Soap: Seized within the Mubi axis for non-compliance with import regulations.
d) Five (5) Live Pangolins: Rescued in Jalingo, Taruba State, successfully thwarting a planned attempt to traffic these endangered specics out of the country”.
The Cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures stands at Fifty Two Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-Four, Thousand, Seventy-One Naira (N52,664.071,00).
He noted that “Of profound significance is the rescue of the five (5) live Pangolins and the subsequent arrest of three (3) suspects connected to this illicit trade. Wildlife trafficking is a grave violation of Section 55(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which mandates the Service lo enforce international laws and conventions. Specifically, the Pangolin is listed under Appendix 1 of the Convention on Intemational Trade in endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)”.
Comptroller Ka’ila centre making a point while taking journalists round the seized items.
As a signatory to CITES, Nigeria is duty-bound to strictly prohibit and prosecute the illegal trade of species facing extinction.
The rescued Pangolins are said to be in safe custody and shall be handed over to Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative, a Wildlife Conservation Body for proper care.
Comptroller Ka’ila added that “Wildlife crime is not a petty offense, it is an organised threat to our biodiversity and global reputation. To those involved in the illegal trade of Flora and Fauna, let this seizure serve as a clear warning. FOU Zone ‘D’ remains vigilant, highly mobile, and fully committed to neutralising your operations”.
He commended the cooperation of all those who were involved in the success achieved so far as he praises the ‘gallant officers and men’ of the Zone for their bravery and professional conduct. Comptroller Ka’ila expresses his profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi (PhD) and the entire management team of the NCS for their unwavering support.
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