Federal Government Declares State of Emergency at Onne Port Amidst Repeated Incidents of Illegal Cargo
The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared a state of emergency at the Onne Port in Rivers State, following the repeated incidents of importation of dangerous cargo, including arms and ammunition. The declaration was made by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, during a press conference to unveil the seizures of illicit goods by the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 command, Onne.
According to Adeniyi, the recurring incidents pose a significant threat to national security and the health of citizens at the Onne Port, which is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The customs boss emphasized that the government is taking immediate action to address the issue, implementing emergency protocols at the port for the next three months.
During the press conference, Adeniyi showcased a series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command, including 12 containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination. The seized items included military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots, cough syrup with codeine, tramadol, and other prohibited items.
The Comptroller-General assured that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to be a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and the illegal importation of harmful goods, and called on all patriotic citizens to assist in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions.
The government’s decision to declare a state of emergency at the Onne Port is aimed at creating a safer and more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive, while also ensuring that those who seek to harm the nation face the full weight of the law.
The Nigeria Customs Service has promised to strengthen its intelligence networks, enhance inter-agency collaborations, and work to ensure that lawful shipments are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible during this period.
The declaration of a state of emergency at the Onne Port is a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal cargo and ensuring the safety and security of citizens in Nigeria.
