Arms Smuggling: FG Declares State of Emergency at Onne Port

The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency at Onne Port in Rivers State following repeated incidents of dangerous cargo, including arms and ammunition, being imported through the port.

To address this, the government announced the immediate implementation of emergency protocols at Onne Port for the next three months, which will involve conducting thorough inspections of all suspicious containers at the facility.

Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi made this announcement during a press conference in Eleme, Rivers State, to unveil seizures of illicit goods by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area 2 Command. Adeniyi highlighted the ongoing threat these imports pose to national security and expressed concern over the port being used as a destination for illegal and dangerous cargo.

Adeniyi said, “Earlier today, I joined stakeholders in inaugurating upgraded facilities at the West Africa Container Terminal, Onne, aimed at enhancing trade facilitation. However, I must draw attention to the serious national security breaches at Onne Port.”

He noted that criminal elements have been exploiting the pro-trade policies of the government to smuggle dangerous items. The recent seizure of a large cache of arms triggered the emergency declaration, which comes amid intelligence indicating an alarming rise in illegal imports at Onne Port.

Adeniyi explained that the NCS, through intelligence gathering, collaboration with other agencies, and thorough inspections, recently intercepted 12 containers of illicit goods. The seized items included military-grade boots, rubber footwear, and large quantities of cough syrup containing codeine, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N31 billion.

The customs chief also reported the seizure of significant amounts of illegal pharmaceuticals, including Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, Tapentadol, and Carisoprodol, which will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He emphasized that these actions are part of a broader effort to ensure national security and called on citizens to assist by providing intelligence on those behind these illegal activities. Adeniyi reassured the business community that the emergency protocols would not disrupt lawful trade and are only a temporary measure aimed at restoring the port’s integrity.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will bring the full weight of the law on anyone found complicit in these crimes,” he added, commending the officers of the Onne Command for their dedication.

Adeniyi reiterated the NCS’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of Nigerians by combating smuggling and illegal imports.