Different wildlife and other contrabands including elephant tusks, pangolin scales,
with a duty paid value of N680m have been intercepted by the Eastern Marine Command, Port Harcourt of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Tangwa, said in a statement on Saturday that, “The Eastern Marine Command of the NCS has made a significant breakthrough in combating wildlife trafficking by intercepting a substantial quantity of pangolin scales, elephant tusks, and sacks of used second-hand shoes. The seizure took place in the south-south coastal waterways along Ibaka-Bakasi Beach.”
Nigeria has been at war with traders of illegal wildlife sales for a while she tries to recover the economy.
According to Tangwa the seizures show, Nigeria’s commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
“Sizeable consignment of pangolin scales and elephant tusks amounting to 365.4 kg and six large sacks of used second-hand shoes with a total duty paid value of N680m,” Tangwa said.
The seizure was necessary not only to protect endangered species but to also arrest flow of illicit financial flow by criminal gangs.
Customs Area Controller, Mike Ugbagu, said, “These heinous activities not only endanger vulnerable species but also contribute to organised crime and illicit financial flows. Nigeria, as a responsible member of the international community, remains steadfast in its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and preserving its rich biodiversity.”
Picture credit: Google
