COMPT OGBONNA FRUSTRATES SMUGGLERS IN CALABAR; INTERCEPTS N637 MILLION PANGOLIN SCALES, WITH 2 SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Pangolin scales worth more than N637 million has been intercepted by the Cross River/FTZ/Akwa Ibom command.
This is part of the sustained anti-smuggling war waged by the Compt Chukwudi Ogbonna’s administration since he came on board last year.
Compt Ogbonna who has served in various units of the customs service as well as at the Headquarters creditably, has made substantial positive impact with regards to ensuring that all the mandates of the customs service handed down to him by the Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, are all achieved.
The Area controller also disclosed that he has been working round the clock to boost revenue, suppress smuggling and enhance trade facilitation, and that the current interception of pangolin scales was a product of co-ordinated intelligence.
He stated that collaborative efforts of various agencies remain a factor in policing a wide command like the Cross River, Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom command.
‘The pangolin seizures were based on credible intelligence from the CIU Special wildlife officer (SWO) and resident officers of the command’
‘The seized four sacks of pangolin scales are weighing 119.40 kilograms with Duty paid value (DPV) of N637,233,068.2.
Ogbonna noted that the contraband item was intercepted along the Diamond Hill axis of calabar. Two suspects are in custody in connection with the seized item, while the Customs Area controller said investigations are ongoing.
The convention on International trade in Endangered Species of wildlife Fauna and Flora (CITES) frowns against illegal trade of wildlife and other species. The customs Boss noted that the Customs remains committed to enforcing laws protecting endangered species.
Ogbonna commended the support of the public in reporting suspicious activities to the authorities, pleading that all Nigerians should join the customs service in this fight.
The Area controller commended the Comptroller General and the management for the provision of logistics support which he said has boosted efficiency in their work profile.