"Barely three months Upon assumption of office, comptroller BA Balogun, despite the threatening level of insurgency, has left no one in doubt of his zero tolerance to corruption, doggednes and a no nonsense officer to his job. No wonder, within a short period of time, the seizure profile of the Command speaks volumes already." This is part of a statement on a just sent report from the Federal Operations Unit FOU, Zone 'C' Owerri. The war against traders on endangered speecies has been visited by Comptroller Birshir Abdullahi Balogun, the Customs Area Controller of FOU, Zone 'C' Owerri. It could be observed that this animal is widely reared at Ebonyi state and this could be the source of its journey to be exported illegally. The 13,599 kilograms intercepted consignment carries a staggering street value of N3.6 billion, making it one of the most high-profle
seizures in recent times. The report which got to this media on Sunday, June 21, 2025 reads as follows; "In a significant operational breakthrough, officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, zone C, have intercepted and seized a 1x40ft container loaded with over 3,000 pieces of Dry Salted Donkey Skin, destined for illegal export. The interception was made possible following credible intelligence and surveillance by vigilant operatives of the Unit. "The contents and the means of conveyance, weighing 13,599 kilograms, was uncovered during a routine enforcement operation after intelligence. Upon physical examination, it was discovered to be carrying Dry Salted Donkey Skin, a commodity that is listed under the Export Prohibition List by the Federal government of Nigeria due to its implications on biodiversity, environmental balance, and the illegal trade in endangered species." Comptroller Balogun, the no nonsense and infant terrible on anti-smuggling terrain of the Southeast and South-south area is leaving no stone unturned despite the actions of banditry going on within the zone. He was very pleased with his officers on this wonderful seizure. "Controller of FOU zone C, commended the dedication and professionalism of the operatives involved in the seizure. He emphasised that the leadership of the (Nigeria
Customs Service) Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, remains fully committed to enforcing government trade policies and combating the smuggling of prohibited and endangered goods. "He further warned individuals and syndicate involved in the illegal trade of wildlife and restricted items to desist, as the Service will continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and strategic enforcement operations across all zones. "The Comptroller General of Customs has lauded the efforts of the operatives, reaffirming the Service resolve to uphold national laws, protect endangered species, and ensure Nigeria is not used as a hub for illegal wildlife trade." the
report reads. It is also confirmed that the seized container is currently under investigation, and further actions will be taken in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service ACT(2023) and other relevant laws.
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