Customs Declare State of Emergency at Onne Port, Intercepts 12 Containers of Military Apparatus, Drugs Worth N31 billion

Customs CG, Wale Adeniyi (2nd left) inspecting the seizure at Onne Port
Customs Declare State of Emergency at Onne Port, Intercepts 12 Containers of Military Apparatus, Drugs Worth N31 billio
By DAPO OLAWUNI
In a significant development that underscores growing concerns over national security, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has declared a state of emergency at Onne Port.

This announcement was made during a press conference on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024, where Adeniyi highlighted a series of alarming seizures by the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne.
Addressing members of the press and stakeholders, Adeniyi expressed his alarm at the increasing use of Onne Port for the importation of dangerous and illicit cargo.
“Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo,” he stated.
The Comptroller-General went on to describe these activities as a grave concern, emphasizing that they pose “a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.”
The press conference followed the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) at Onne, a move aimed at enhancing trade facilitation.
While Adeniyi expressed optimism about the progress in trade, he did not shy away from pointing out the dark side of these advancements. “It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches,” he lamented.
The seizures, which were showcased at the press conference, included a staggering array of illicit goods.
Adeniyi revealed that the Area 2 Command had intercepted twelve containers loaded with illegal items. These included 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots, 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup containing codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, among other items, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦31 billion.
“The scale and nature of these illegal importations are deeply troubling,” Adeniyi remarked, adding that the intercepted goods “pose a significant threat to our national security.”
He further noted that these seizures are a testament to the vigilance of the Nigeria Customs Service and the effectiveness of its intelligence network.
In light of these developments, Adeniyi announced the implementation of emergency protocols at Onne Port.
“For the next three months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents,” he declared. This measure, according to him, is necessary to “clean up the port and restore its integrity.”
Adeniyi also issued a stern warning to those involved in these illegal activities. “Let me be clear: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in these crimes against our nation,” he asserted.
He urged all patriotic citizens to assist in this endeavor by providing intelligence on those behind these acts, stating that “your information, no matter how small, could be the key to preventing a potential catastrophe.”
Despite the stringent measures, Adeniyi reassured the business community that legitimate trade would not be unduly disrupted. “Our goal is to create a safer, more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive,” he said, emphasizing that lawful shipments would be processed efficiently during the period of heightened scrutiny.
The Comptroller-General took the opportunity to commend the officers of the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command for their “relentless efforts in safeguarding our nation.” He acknowledged their dedication and assured them that their work does not go unnoticed.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to protecting the health and safety of Nigerians.
“We will strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law,” he vowed, ending the press conference with a pledge to continue the fight against smuggling and the illegal importation of harmful goods.