Customs Zone D seizes smuggled 15,300 litres of petrol, car, pangolins

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘D’, has intercepted various contraband items, including a car, petroleum products and live endangered animals, with an estimated duty-paid value of over N52.6 million.

The Comptroller of the unit, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday, noting that the seizures were made at different locations in February.

According to him, the intercepted items include a Mercedes-Benz ML350 4Matic (2015 model) along the Abuja–Nasarawa axis, suspected to have been smuggled; 612 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (25 litres each), totaling 15,300 litres, seized in Mubi, Adamawa State; 33 cartons of foreign soap confiscated in Mubi for non-compliance with import regulations; and five live pangolins rescued in Taraba State.

Ka’ila emphasised the significance of the wildlife rescue, noting that three suspects linked to the illegal trade in the endangered species were arrested.

Wildlife trafficking is a grave violation of Section 55(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.”

“The pangolin is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which Nigeria is obligated to enforce strictly,” he said.

The Comptroller added that the operation was carried out during routine patrols along critical wildlife corridors in Taraba State

He said the rescued pangolins are now in the custody of the NCS and will be handed over to Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for proper care.

Ka’ila praised the collaboration between the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Focus Conservation and Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for supporting the operation.

“The three suspects will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Wildlife crime is not a minor offence; it is an organised threat to our biodiversity and global reputation,” he warned.

He also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the FOU Zone ‘D’ management and patrol teams for their professional conduct.

The NCS urged members of the public to provide timely and credible intelligence to help secure the nation’s borders and protect its natural heritage.

Culled from punch