By Okuneye Moyosola
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A has intercepted 147 sacks of pangoline scales worth over N10billion.
The containers were discovered at an abandoned warehouse in Isheri Estate, Lagos State.
The Comptroller–General of Custom, Col. Hammed Ali (rtd) disclosed this during a working visit to the FOU Ikeja Customs Command, adding that the pangolin scales was worth Ten billion, two hundred and sixty four million, four hundred and twenty eight thousand Naira (10, 264, 428, 00).
The Customs boss noted that Nigeria as a signatory to Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) categorizes this species under absolute prohibition adding that its importation or trade is illegal globally.
“There are other areas that we can do businesses but why must we resolve to do illegal things. Despite the fact that we have boarder closure, our people are still insist8ng on smuggling things. It is always finding its way as a result of the tenacity of our people to commit crime and that’s one of our biggest problems. When people say Customs are been too hard and are running all over the streets intercepting goods and checking people, this is the end result” he said.
Ali also urged Nigerians to support the service with information that could assist the service in discharging its statuto9ry responsibilities in the interest of the nation.
“As for Customs, we would not relent. We will continue to do what we are doing. Even when we closed the boarders partially, these things are still coming into our country. We need the corporation of our people so that we can get the right information. We are not magicians, we rely on information. As long as you see it happening in your own area and you keep quiet, this would be the end result” he said.
He commended the Acting Comptroller, FOU, Zone ‘A’, Usman Yahaya and all officers and men of the unit for a job well done which will invariable contribute to the security and wellbeing of every Nigerian.
“The consignment was stacked in a 2 20 containers. The containers were immediately evacuated to the promises of FOU Zone A, Ikeja, where physical examination conducted revealed 147 sacks weighing 9,504.g of Pangolin scales worth N10 billion was recovered” the Comptroller General added.