Customs Seize 52 Elephant Tusks, Apprehend Cameroonian Suspect In Cross River Border Bust

Customs Seize 52 Elephant Tusks, Apprehend Cameroonian Suspect In Cross River Border Bust

In a significant operation, the Nigeria Customs Service has thwarted an attempt to smuggle 52 units of Elephant’s Tusks, weighing approximately 200 kilograms, across the border…..READ ALSO Customs Clears The Air: Denies Involvement In Tragic Death Of Katsina Teenager

The perpetrator, identified as Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, a Cameroonian national, was apprehended with a cache of illicit goods and weaponry at the Mfum border town in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River state on February 8.

According to Comptroller Ahmed Waziri, the Customs Area Controller for Cross River/CFTZ/Akwa Ibom Command, the suspect was en route to Lagos with intentions to transport the contraband to another undisclosed location before being intercepted.

Speaking at a press briefing in Calabar on Monday, Comptroller Waziri emphasized the severity of wildlife crime, noting its adverse ecological impact.

He underscored Nigeria’s commitment to combating such illicit activities and emphasized the importance of border communities in maintaining vigilance against transnational criminal enterprises.

The intercepted goods, valued at over 300 million naira, were hidden in a Honda SUV Truck bearing registration number FST 733 HH.

Further investigation uncovered additional incriminating evidence, including a service pistol and live ammunition found inside the vehicle, as well as dual number plates from Nigeria (Lagos) and Cameroon (CMR LT 214 AY).

Comptroller Waziri commended the vigilant efforts of Customs officers at Mfum and called for swift legal action against the suspect following thorough investigations. He urged sister agencies to heighten their professional responsibilities in tackling organized crime and safeguarding national security.