Latest News
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency at Onne Port Over Repeated Arms and Dangerous Cargo Imports
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency at Onne Port Over Repeated Arms and Dangerous Cargo Imports....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency at Onne Port in Rivers State following multiple incidents of dangerous cargo, including arms and ammunition, being illegally imported through the port. This decision was announced during a press conference by Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, who emphasized the national security threat these incidents pose.
Adeniyi stated that the government would implement emergency protocols at the port over the next three months, focusing on intensive examinations of all suspected containers. “For the next three months, we will conduct thorough inspections of all containers. Any unclaimed containers will be opened and examined to verify their contents,” he said.
The urgency of the situation follows the seizure of a significant cache of arms and other illicit items at Onne Port in recent months, which prompted the government to take decisive action. Adeniyi expressed concerns about the recurring security breaches and stressed the need for immediate corrective measures.
National Security at Risk
The customs chief highlighted the grave national security implications, saying, “The importation of dangerous cargo into the country is a disturbing trend, and the Onne Port is becoming a hotspot for these illegal activities. This poses a severe threat to the health and safety of our citizens.”
In addition to arms and ammunition, large quantities of illegal pharmaceuticals and other prohibited goods were seized. Adeniyi showcased the latest seizures, which included 12 containers filled with items like military camouflage boots, rubber footwear, and over 562,600 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) running into billions of naira.
Seizures of Illicit Goods
Key items seized include:
- One 40-foot container containing 4,800 pairs of military boots and 67,320 pairs of rubber footwear, with a DPV of ₦923 million.
- Three 40-foot containers containing over 380,000 bottles of codeine syrup, 24.4 million tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, and other items with a DPV of ₦17.4 billion.
- Five 40-foot containers containing over 1.3 million tablets of Diclofenac, 7.25 million tablets of Trodol Benzhexol, and other harmful substances.
These seizures highlight the scale of the illegal importation network exploiting the Onne Port.
Emergency Protocols to Restore Integrity
Adeniyi assured the business community that while the emergency protocols are in place, legitimate trade will not be affected. “This measure is not intended to disrupt lawful trade. We aim to clean up the port and ensure that legal businesses continue to thrive in a secure environment,” he explained.
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other security agencies, vowing to hold anyone involved in these illegal activities accountable. “We will bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in these crimes against our nation,” Adeniyi warned.
Commitment to Safeguarding Nigeria
The NCS will also hand over seized pharmaceuticals to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in line with existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoU). Adeniyi reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting the country from harmful imports, stressing that intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration will be strengthened.
As the government steps up efforts to safeguard national security, the state of emergency at Onne Port serves as a clear signal of its determination to combat the smuggling of illegal goods. Adeniyi concluded by praising the officers at the Onne Command for their vigilance and dedication, stating that the fight against smuggling remains a top priority.
latest
Dele Momodu Denies 2027 Ambition, Rejects VP Campaign Poster With Atiku Abubakar.
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has dismissed a viral presidential campaign poster linking him as a running mate to Atiku Abubakar.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
latest
Hard Times Return As Petrol Price Jumps To N1,440 Per Litre Across Nigeria
Petrol prices have surged across Nigeria, with filling stations now selling fuel between N1,364 and N1,444 per litre, as rising global crude oil prices continue to pressure the domestic market.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
latest
AGF Fagbemi Moves To Deregister ADC, Accord, AA And Other Political Parties
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called for the deregistration of several political parties, including the Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Peoples Party (APP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
