The Nigeria Customs Service on Wednesday said it intercepted Fifteen sacks of Pangolin Scales(839.4kg) and four small sacks of Elephant Tusks Weighing 145kg with a total value of N3, 155,667,500.00 in the Lekki Area of Lagos State.
Comptroller Joseph Attah the Customs National Public Relations Officer, disclosed this during a media briefing in Lagos.
According to him, the seizure was made on the 2nd of February, 2022 when the CGC’s Strike Force Team stormed Lekki Area of Lagos and intercepted one Toyota Sienna bus with registration no: KRD 541 HH with chassis: STDZA23C955338572 suspected to be loaded with uncustomed goods.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with the wildlife Justice commission targeting the illegal trade of wildlife from Africa to Asia.
This seizure comes just three weeks after the Vietnamese Customs seized 6.2 tons of pangolin scales and 456kg of ivory in Da Nang said to have been shipped from Lagos.
Recall the Nigeria customs had in January 2021, intercepted 15 sacks of Pangolin Scales worth over 1.7 billion naira. Also in October 2021, they intercepted a container containing 162 sacks of Pangolin Scales and 57 sacks of endangered species such as ivory/animal horns and lion bones valued at N952,000,000 destined for Haiphong Vietnam.
‘‘What you are seeing today is the fourth major seizure of pangolin scales, ivory and other assorted wildlife parts in Nigeria withing the last 13 months. Our achievements in this regard should prove to any person or group doubting our resolve, that Nigeria is determined to fish out and bring all illegal wildlife trade actors to justice.’’ Attah explained.
Illegal wildlife trade contravenes Section 63 “E” and “G” of CEMA Cap 45 LFN 2004. Nigeria is a signatory to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
While commending wild life justice Commission for their efforts especially in the provision of credible and actionable intelligence, he assured that Nigeria will not be used as a conduit pipe for illegal wild life trade.
‘’As a responsible member of the global community, we cannot allow our nation to be used as a conduit pipe for illegal wild life trade.’’ Attah further noted.
With countries like China and Kenya topping illegal wildlife trade chart, recent activities of the Nigeria Customs Service are making sure Nigeria do not get on such ratings.