Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone B, Kaduna, has announced the interception of smuggled goods worth N3,175,084,217.75 billion over the past month.
The seizures included a significant quantity of donkey parts, raising concerns over the preservation of endangered species.
Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu disclosed this information during a press briefing in Kaduna. He highlighted that the intercepted goods, found along the Sokoto/Gusau road in Zamfara, were being exported by individuals he described as “unscrupulous elements” with no regard for endangered species like the donkey.
“On April 25, 2024, operatives of the unit, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a truck with registration number GGE 526XL along Sokoto/Gusau road in Zamfara state. The truck, brought to Kaduna for further examination, was found to contain 750 sacks of donkey bones, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) estimated at N2,363,500,000,” Shuaibu stated.
One suspect was arrested in connection with this seizure. Additionally, on May 5, 2024, two Canter trucks carrying dried donkey meat were intercepted along Kontagora-Tegina road in Niger state. The trucks, after 100% physical examination, were found to contain 860 sacks of dried donkey meat, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
Shuaibu emphasized that these activities violate Section 55 (1) paragraph c and i (1) of the NCS Act 2023, which mandates prohibitions and restrictions to protect the health and life of humans, animals, or plants. The Act aligns with international laws and conventions on the trade of endangered species, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
“The government is deeply concerned that the unpatriotic and illegal activities of some people, particularly smugglers, are driving donkeys, a rare animal, towards extinction,” Shuaibu noted. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment as a signatory to international conventions protecting rare animal species.
The Comptroller assured that the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) would continue to combat illegal trade aggressively. Between April 17 and May 17, 2024, the Unit made seizures valued at over N3 billion, attributing this success to the dedication and professionalism of the officers and men of the Unit.
” Let me at this point say that the Officers and men of the Unit are focused ,committed ,and prepared to continue to carry out their assignments with utmost sense of courtesy and unwavering professionalism,” he said.
Shuaibu commended the officers’ commitment and emphasized that the NCS is enhancing its anti-smuggling initiatives through improved intelligence gathering and information technology.
“Those who wish to test our resolve should rethink, as we shall be unsparing in implementing the laws and policy directives of the Federal Government,” he warned.