Customs Eastern Marine Command Intensifies Enforcement, Stakeholder Engagement And Inter-Agency Collaboration, as Compt. JaJa Showcases Seizures

The Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says it 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 disclosure was contained in a press release issued,  signed and made available to media platforms by the Command's Public Relations officer, Emmanuel Tangwa, a chief Superintendent of Customs, on Monday in Port Harcourt the Rivers state Capital.

The statement noted that 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, according to him,include: Premium  Motor Spirit (PMS) = 3,750 litres, Several cartons of assorted pharmaceuticals of various brands with a Total Duty Paid Value  (DPV) of  N12,049,612 only.

Others were, Two large sacks of wildlife (endangered species) parts, including chimpanzee heads, parrots, and helmeted hornbill parts in violation of CITES regulations.

According to the statement, the  the items  have already been deposited in the Government Warehouse in Calabar.

Speaking at the showcasing of 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 have continued to yield positive enforcement results.

However, the Eastern Marine Customs boss therefore warned maritime stakeholders to desist from all forms of illegal importation or exportation, noting that officers of the Command remained fully alert to counter all acts of smuggling and economic sabotage.

On wildlife, Comptroller JAJA sternly warned all the stakeholders against trading in or transporting wildlife and endangered species saying "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 emphasized.

He further cautioned that passengers found aboard any boat conveying wildlife parts are equally liable and would be treated as offenders under national and international laws.

On Multi-Agency Fight Against Illegal Wildlife Trade,the Comptroller 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).

 “Nigeria stands tall in the fight against trade in endangered species, thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he added.

Commenting on the fight against Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) Smuggling and the one seized, Comptroller JAJA described the act as economic sabotage, insisting that the Command would not tolerate any attempt to smuggle petroleum products out of the country even as he highlighted the economic consequences of PMS smuggling and cautioned perpetrators to desist or face the full weight of the law.

The statement went further to inform that the seized Pharmaceutical and some expired ones including all illegally imported items were handed over to the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr. John Naeche by the Comptroller, who noted that the action aligned with the collaborative mantra of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, fnipr, psc (+), particularly as it concerned synergy with relevant agencies.

Applauding the CAC, Eastern Marine Command, the NAFDAC State Coordinator commended the Eastern Marine Command for the seizures and for the handover in accordance with regulatory procedures.

He then assured that NAFDAC would notify the Nigeria Customs Service of the scheduled date and location for the lawful destruction of the seized items.

Mr. Naeche also congratulated the CGC on his recent professional accomplishments and thanked Comptroller JAJA for deepening inter-agency cooperation.

On Stakeholder Engagement and Visit to Calabar Outstation, the statement stated that  earlier that day, the CAC held  meeting with maritime stakeholders in the Oron waterways, sensitizing them on the CGC’s mantra of collaboration, compliance, and shared responsibility.

Comptroller JAJA then preceded 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 remains committed to ensuring that the nation's waterways are not only safe but free from all forms of illegalities in the Oron- Calabar axis.

He encouraged stakeholders to support lawful trade, respect regulatory frameworks and partner with the NCS for the advancement of national security and economic integrity.

By: Bon Peters

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