Federal Government Declares State of Emergency at Onne Port Amidst Arms Importation Concerns

In a decisive move to address the alarming trend of arms and ammunition smuggling, the Federal Government of Nigeria has declared a state of emergency at the Onne Port in Rivers State. This declaration follows a series of incidents involving the importation of dangerous cargo, which has raised significant concerns about national security.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, announced the emergency measures during a press conference held in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. The press briefing coincided with the unveiling of notable seizures of illicit goods by the Customs Service’s Area 2 command. Adeniyi emphasized that the repeated breaches of security at Onne Port pose a serious threat not only to the region but to the entire nation.

Adeniyi stated, “Today, I joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards facilitating trade while addressing grave concerns related to national security breaches occurring at Onne Port. We all share the responsibility of safeguarding our national integrity.” His comments highlight the delicate balance between promoting trade and maintaining security, a challenge that has become increasingly complex.

The emergency protocols that will be implemented over the next three months include thorough examinations of all containers suspected of carrying illicit goods. Adeniyi expressed regret that criminal elements within the international supply chain have exploited Nigeria’s pro-trade policies for illicit activities. He noted, “The attempts to test our resolve through the importation of dangerous cargo have necessitated this declaration of a state of emergency.”

The customs chief detailed a recent seizure that underscored the urgency of the situation. He reported the interception of twelve containers containing a range of illicit goods, including military camouflage footwear, cough syrup with codeine, and various controlled substances. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures amounts to over N31 billion, showcasing the scale of illegal activities attempting to infiltrate the port.

Among the significant seizures highlighted were:

– A 40-foot container holding 4,800 pairs of military and paramilitary camouflage rain boots, valued at N923,040,000.

– Three containers containing over 562,600 bottles of cough syrup with codeine, with a staggering DPV of N4,716,573,846.

– Additional containers revealed thousands of tablets of various controlled substances, bringing the total value of seized goods to alarming sums.

These seizures not only point to a growing trend of illegal imports but also illustrate the challenges facing the Customs Service in its efforts to protect the health and safety of Nigerian citizens. Adeniyi stressed the importance of community involvement in combating this issue, urging citizens to provide intelligence on those involved in smuggling activities.

Effective immediately, the emergency protocols will involve comprehensive inspections of all containers at the port. If owners do not comply with examination requests, the Customs Service will open the containers to verify their contents. Adeniyi reassured legitimate businesses that these measures are temporary and aimed at restoring the integrity of Onne Port, ensuring a safer environment for lawful trade.

He stated, “To those who may be tempted to continue these illegal activities, let me be clear: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will impose the full weight of the law on anyone found complicit in these crimes against our nation.”

The seized pharmaceuticals, particularly the cough syrup and controlled substances, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency as part of a collaborative effort to combat drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. Adeniyi expressed gratitude towards the officers of the Onne Command for their vigilance and dedication, noting that their efforts are crucial in the fight against smuggling and illegal imports.

As the Nigeria Customs Service moves forward, Adeniyi reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the health and safety of Nigerians, emphasizing the need for enhanced intelligence networks and stronger inter-agency collaborations. He concluded by assuring citizens that the Customs Service would continue to be a formidable force in the ongoing battle against smuggling and the illegal importation of harmful goods.

The declaration of a state of emergency at Onne Port marks a critical step in addressing security concerns and restoring public confidence in the safety of goods entering Nigeria, as the government seeks to balance trade facilitation with the imperative of national security.