The Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service under the control of Comptroller AB Jaja, has strengthened its enforcement operations and collaborative efforts, as the Command on 13th of November, 2025, undertook a series of strategic engagements and on-the-spot inspections across the Oron and Calabar maritime corridors.
At the Oron Outstation, according to a press release by CSC Emmanuel Tangwa,
Public Relations Officer,
Eastern Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service, stated that 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 the release 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.
Speaking before 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 will continue to yield positive enforcement results.
He warned maritime stakeholders to desist from all forms of illegal importation or exportation, noting that officers of the Command remain fully alert to counter all acts of smuggling and economic sabotage.
Comptroller JaJa in the meantime, issued a stern warning to stakeholders against trading in or transporting wildlife and endangered species, adding that: “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, 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).
The Command Comptroller further noted that “Nigeria stands tall in the fight against trade in endangered species, thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
Speaking on the seized PMS, Comptroller JaJa described 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.
The Comptroller equally used the medium to hand 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, 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 collaboration, compliance, 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.
The Eastern Marine Comptroller also reaffirmed that the EMC remain committed to ensuring that the nation’s waterways are not only safe, but free from all forms of illegalities in the Oron- Calabar axis.
Comptr. Jaja in conclusion, encouraged stakeholders to support lawful trade, respect regulatory frameworks and partner with the NCS for the advancement of national security and economic integrity.
