From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “B” Kaduna, said it has intercepted two separate consignments containing donkey bones and meat with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3 billion Naira.
The Comptroller of the command, Mr. Ahmadu Shuaibu made this known today in Kaduna while showcasing the scorecard of the zone to newsmen.
According to him, on April 25 2024, operatives of the unit acting on credible intelligence intercepted one truck with registration number GGE 526 XL along Sokoto/Gusau Road in Zamfara State conveying illicit goods which were brought to Kaduna for further examination.
He explained that upon careful examination, the truck was discovered to be conveying 750 sacks of donkey bones.
” The DPV for the donkey bones was estimated at Two Billion, Three Hundred and Sixty Three Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N2, 363,500,000.00) only.
“Again on May 5, 2024, at about 0310hrs, the operatives of the Unit intercepted Two (2) Canter Trucks carrying Dried Donkey Meat along Kontagora – Tegina Road in Niger State.
“After 100% physical examination the trucks were found to contain 860 sacks of Dried Donkey meat. Three (3) suspects were also arrested in connection with the seizure. ”
Mr. Ahmadu Shuaibu disclosed that four suspects were arrested during the seizure adding that it is of great importance to intercept the illegal produce of donkeys perpetrated by some unscrupulous elements with no regard for the lives and preservation of endangered species like the donkey which is near extinction
According to him, five suspects were arrested in connection with the seized items, adding that, the above illegal trading contravenes Section 55 (1) paragraph c and I (1) of the NCS Act 2023 which says that “Import and Exports shall where applicable be subject to prohibitions and restrictions relating to the protection of the health and life of humans, animals, or plants,
He noted that the government is concerned that donkeys are part of rare animals that are being driven towards extinction by the activities of unscrupulous elements, and Nigeria is a signatory to the international convention for the continued prevention of endangering these species.
The Comptroller also listed other items seized including 58,740 sachets of tramadol and 48,000 ampules of Anelgin injection that was arrested by the operatives of the Unit on the 2nd of May 2024 at about 1130hrs along Saminaka/Nimbiya/Kafanchan axis of Kaduna state.
He explains that the illicit drugs were neatly concealed with a motor spare with the DPV of these illicit drugs worth N167.5m, and 12 vehicles as means of conveyance.
Others were 174 Bags of Foreign Rice 50 kg each,234 Jerry cans of PMS 25 liters each, and 109 bales of second-hand clothing
Comptroller Shuaibu also mentioned 367 cartons of Spaghetti,50 cartons of Macaroni 47 Jerry cans of foreign vegetable oil.
He also listed 6 sacks of used shoes, 100 sacks of snuff,30 bags of foreign sugar (25kg each), and 2,255 cartons of herbicide chemicals amongst others.
He said “10 cartons of foreign couscous, 235 Bags of Foreign flour (25kg each) and Over 100 cartons of general goods, adding that DPV of the seized items amounted to N3.1bn.
The Comptroller also appreciated the efforts of his officers and men while reiterating his commitment to carrying out his duty without fear or favor.
“Those who wish to try our resolve should have a rethink as we shall be unsparing in implementing the laws and policy directives of the Federal Government as directed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team,” he said.
He explains that anti-smuggling initiatives are fast going beyond old traditional physical measures, the NCS has sharpened its skill in intelligence gathering through improved information technology kits” he said.
