Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ The Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant interception of 52 units of elephant tusks in Mfum, a border town located in the Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Ahmed Waziri, the Customs Area Comptroller for Cross River State, Cross River Free Trade Zone, and Akwa Ibom Command, disclosed this during a news conference held in Calabar on Monday.
Waziri revealed that the seizure was executed by customs operatives in Mfum on Thursday, highlighting that the elephant tusks, totaling 200kg in weight, were estimated to be valued at N300 million.
The suspect apprehended with the contraband was identified as Mohammed Ibrahim, a Cameroonian national. Ibrahim was intercepted while allegedly en route to Lagos with the intention of transporting the items to another destination.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the arrested individual specialized in the illicit exportation of tusks across international borders.
The comptroller detailed that Ibrahim was apprehended driving a Honda SUV truck with registration number FST 733 HH and chassis number 2KZYK16428H500704. Notably, the vehicle bore two different number plates, one registered in Lagos (FST 733 HH) and the other in Cameroon (LT 214 AY). Additionally, a service pistol loaded with live ammunition was discovered inside the vehicle.
Waziri emphasized that this interception serves as a stern warning that Nigeria will not tolerate its territory being exploited as a transit route for illicit products. He reminded that Nigeria is a signatory to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), underlining the country’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking.
Additionally, he urged border communities to remain vigilant and proactive in fulfilling their responsibilities, emphasizing that many illegal items often pass through their domains without detection. This call highlights the crucial role of border communities in maintaining security and preventing illicit activities along the borders.
