The Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has strengthened its enforcement operations and deepened inter-agency collaboration, as Comptroller Anderson Jaja conducted strategic stakeholder engagements and on-the-spot inspections across the Oron and Calabar maritime corridors on Thursday, 13 November 2025.
Comptroller Jaja commended the vigilance of his officers and the intelligence-sharing support from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, noting that such partnerships continue to deliver strong enforcement outcomes.
He warned maritime operators to desist from illegal importation and exportation, stressing that the Command’s officers remain fully alert to counter all forms of smuggling and economic sabotage.
Issuing a stern warning on wildlife trafficking, Jaja cautioned stakeholders against trading in or transporting wildlife and endangered species.
“Anyone caught will face prosecution. We already have offenders in custody ready to be charged in court, sadly, some of them are women,” he said.
He further emphasised that passengers found aboard any vessel conveying wildlife parts are equally liable and will be prosecuted under national and international laws.
The wildlife seizure consisted of two large sacks containing parts of endangered species, including chimpanzee heads, parrots, and parts of helmeted hornbills. The items, intercepted in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), have been deposited at the Government Warehouse in Calabar.
The Comptroller reiterated that the fight against Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) is a multi-agency national effort led by the Nigeria Customs Service in partnership with environmental bodies and security organisations, in line with domestic laws and global conventions.
On the seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Jaja described the act as “economic sabotage”, declaring that the Command will not tolerate the smuggling of petroleum products out of the country. A total of 3,750 litres of PMS was seized during the operation.
He warned perpetrators to desist, highlighting the wider economic consequences of fuel smuggling.
“This act is nothing short of economic sabotage. The Command will not tolerate any attempt to smuggle petroleum products out of the country. Those involved must understand the economic harm this causes and desist immediately; otherwise, they will face the full weight of the law.
“We remain fully committed to ensuring that our waterways are not only safe but free from all forms of illegality along the Oron–Calabar axis. We call on all stakeholders to uphold lawful trade, respect regulatory frameworks, and work with the Nigeria Customs Service to advance national security and safeguard our economic integrity,” he reaffirmed.
Comptroller Jaja also handed over seized pharmaceuticals, some of which were expired and all of which were illegally imported, to the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of NAFDAC, John Naeche. He stated that the action aligns with the collaborative mandate of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, particularly in terms of synergy with relevant agencies.
The intercepted pharmaceuticals comprised various brands with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦12,049,612.
The NAFDAC State Coordinator commended the Eastern Marine Command for the seizures and for adhering to regulatory procedures during the handover.
“NAFDAC will notify NCS of the scheduled date and location for the lawful destruction of the items. I also congratulate the CGC on his recent professional accomplishments. Thank you, Comptroller Jaja, for deepening inter-agency cooperation,” he said.
