The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a seizure of a 40-footer containerized dry salted donkey skin worth N3.6 billion, intercepted by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C in Owerri.

The prohibited item, packed in sacks containing 10 or 9 pieces each, totaling 3,022 pieces with an average weight of 4.5kg per piece, was intercepted following a comprehensive examination of the container.

According to impeccable sources, the examination revealed that the donkey skins were carefully packed to evade detection. However, the eagle-eyed officers of the FOU Zone C were able to unravel the contents of the container, which was billed for illegal export.

The seizure is seen as a major blow to syndicates involved in the illegal trade of wildlife and restricted items. Comptroller BA Balogun, leading the unit, commended the operatives involved in the seizure, emphasizing the Service’s commitment to enforcing government trade policies and combating smuggling.

“The leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, remains fully committed to enforcing government trade policies and combating the smuggling of prohibited and endangered goods,” Comptroller Balogun said.

The Comptroller General of Customs has lauded the efforts of the operatives, reaffirming the Service’s resolve to uphold national laws, protect endangered species, and ensure Nigeria is not used as a hub for illegal wildlife trade.

The seized container is currently under investigation, and further actions will be taken in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023) and other relevant laws.

This seizure highlights the NCS’s efforts to protect endangered species and uphold national laws. The Service’s commitment to combating smuggling and enforcing government trade policies is evident in the professionalism and dedication of its operatives.

As the investigation continues, the NCS is expected to take further actions to prevent similar cases in the future. The Service’s zero-tolerance approach to smuggling and its commitment to protecting the nation’s economic interests are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the country’s borders.

The NCS’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species are also in line with global efforts to conserve biodiversity and prevent the extinction of species.

In conclusion, the NCS’s seizure of the N3.6 billion worth of donkey skins is a significant achievement in the fight against smuggling and wildlife trafficking. The Service’s commitment to enforcing government trade policies and protecting endangered species is commendable, and its efforts are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the country’s borders.