By Tony Nzekwe
In accordance with the strategic tripod policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, aimed to boost revenue generation, suppress smuggling activities and create a robust synergies in trade facilitation, the Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has strengthened its enforcement operations and collaboration efforts as Comptroller AB JAJA on 13 November 2025 undertook a series of strategic engagements and on-the-spot inspections across the Oron and Calabar maritime corridors.
This information was contained in a statement issued and signed by the command public relations officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Emmanuel Tangwa, and made available to GLOBAL RAYS Media.
The statement reads in part: “At the Oron Outstation in Akwa Ibom State, Comptroller AB JAJA showcased several seizures made by operatives of the Command across different locations and times within the Area of Responsibility (AOR).The seized items include; Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) = 3,750 litres; several cartons of assorted pharmaceuticals of various brands with a Total Duty Paid Value of (DPV): ₦12,049,612 only; Two large sacks of wildlife (endangered species) parts, including chimpanzee heads, parrots, and helmeted hornbill parts—in violation of CITES regulations already deposited in the Government Warehouse in Calabar.”
In his remarks, showcasing the seized items, Comptroller JAJA commended the vigilance of his officers and the intelligence-sharing support of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, stressing that such collaborations continue to yield positive enforcement results.
The CAC warned, “Maritime stakeholders should desist from all forms of illegal importation or exportation as officers of the Command remain fully alert to counter all acts of smuggling and economic sabotage.”
His words: “Anyone caught will face prosecution, as we already have offenders in custody ready to be charged to court. Sadly, some of them are women. ”
He further emphasized that passengers found aboard any boat conveying wildlife parts are equally liable and will be treated as offenders under national and international laws.
On Multi-Agency Fight Against Illegal Wildlife Trade; Comptroller Jaja, reiterated that, “The fight against Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) is a multi-agency national effort, coordinated by the Nigeria Customs Service in partnership with environmental agencies and security organisations in line with local laws and global conventions such as Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora( CITES).”
He asserted, “Nigeria stands tall in the fight against trade in endangered species, thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
On Fight Against PMS Smuggling; the CAC Commented on the seized PMS, describing the act as economic sabotage, stating that the Command will not tolerate any attempts to smuggle petroleum products out of the country.
He highlighted the economic consequences of PMS smuggling and cautioned perpetrators to desist or face the full weight of the law.
In a related development, the Comptroller also handed over the seized pharmaceuticals—some expired and all illegally imported—to the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr. John Naeche, noting that the action aligns with the collaborative mantra of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, fnipr, psc (+), particularly as it concerns synergy with relevant agencies.The NAFDAC State Coordinator commended the Eastern Marine Command for the seizures and for the handover in accordance with regulatory procedures. He assured that NAFDAC would notify the Customs Service of the scheduled date and location for the lawful destruction of the items.
Mr. Naeche also congratulated the CGC on his recent professional accomplishments and thanked Comptroller JAJA for deepening inter-agency cooperation.
Earlier in the day, the CAC held a meeting with maritime stakeholders in the Oron waterways, sensitizing them on the CGC’s mantra of Consolidation, Innovation, collaboration and shared responsibility.
Comptroller JAJA then proceeded by water to Calabar, where he inspected the Command’s Outstation Jetty before visiting the Customs Area Controller of Cross River/FTZA/Akwa Ibom Command, Comptroller CG OGBONNA and both Controllers discussed strategies to enhance synergy between the Commands for overall operational effectiveness.
Comptroller AB JAJA reaffirmed that, “The EMC remain committed to ensuring that the nation’s waterways are not only safe but free from all froms of illegalities in the Oron- Calabar axis and encouraged stakeholders to support lawful trade, respect regulatory frameworks and partner with the NCS for the advancement of national security and economic integrity. “
