The Nigeria Customs Service has apprehended a Cameroonian man in possession of a pistol, live ammunition, and 52 elephant tusks in Mfum, a border town located in the Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
During a press conference in Calabar, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Cross River/CFTZ/Akwa Ibom Command, Comptroller Ahmed Waziri, disclosed this revelation.
Comptroller Waziri detailed that the arrest took place on Thursday, February 8, 2024, by NCS operatives stationed in Mfum. The confiscated elephant tusks, weighing a total of 200kg, were estimated to be valued at N300 million.
According to Waziri, the individual in question, identified as Mohammed Ibrahim, was nabbed with the contraband while allegedly en route to Lagos for further distribution. The preliminary investigations indicated Ibrahim’s involvement in the illegal exportation of elephant tusks across international borders. The suspect was operating a Honda SUV truck bearing the licence plate FST 733 HH, wherein the pistol and live ammunition were found.
“The suspect has two number plates (Lagos): FST 733 HH and (CMR) LT 214 AY. A service pistol was discovered inside the vehicle with live ammunition,” Waziri stated.
He stressed this by stating, “This arrest should be a warning that Nigeria will not be used as a transit route for illicit products. They should also know that Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).”
Comptroller Waziri underscored the vital role played by border communities in ensuring security, urging for continued vigilance. He praised the officers at Mfum for their successful interception of items worth over N300 million and the apprehension of the suspect.
Waziri extended his gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management team for their unwavering support, acknowledging that their assistance has created a conducive environment for such effective operations.