Customs Seizes N22.3bn Worth of Elephant Tusks, Pangolin Scales
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday announced whooping seizures of N22.3billion worth of elephant tusks and pangolin scales in Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of the Customs, Retd Col Hammed Ali told newsmen that the items were seized from smugglers.
A breakdown of the seizures showed that the pangolin scales weighed 17,137.44 kilograms and were packed in 196 sacks.
There were also 4.6 kilograms of pangolin claws evacuated at Ijeoma Street, Lekki, Lagos State.
The elephant tusks also weighed 870.44 kilograms of elephant tusks.
According Ali, the items fall under Nigeria’s export prohibition schedule of the federal government.
He said three suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizures.
Ali said, “Already three suspects who are non-nationals have been arrested. They are Mr. Traore Djakonba, Mr. Isiak Musa and Mr. Mohammed Bereta. The Kingpin, Mr. Berete Morybinet is on the run thinking he can evade the long arm of the law. Security agencies at all entry and exit points are on red alert to track and arrest him to face justice. He is therefore advised in his interest to surrender himself to the NCS.”
Ali said that the suspects will be charged to court as soon as possible, adding that the Customs Service would do the same to anyone or organization connected to illegal wildfire trade.
He added, “Deforestation and depletion of wildlife especially the endangered species have been global concerns with nationals collaboration, sharing intelligence and expertise that would stamp out indiscriminate killings of endangered species.
“In line with global best practices, NCS has been in robust collaboration with embassies of US, UK, Germany with other quarterly meetings that provide platform for shared experiences.”
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