KEBBI CUSTOMS SEIZES DONKEY SKINS WORTH N48.163 MILLION
FROM : AYODELE AJOGE, BIRNIN-KEBBI.
Donkey skins valued at the sum of N48,136,642.00 have been seized by the Kebbi State Command of the Nigeria Customs at Bahindi-Dogon Rimi Waterside in Bagudo Local Government Area of the State.
The Comptroller of Customs in charge of Kebbi State, Joseph Attah while briefing Newsmen in Birnin-Kebbi last weekend stated that based on credible intelligence about smuggling activities in the area, the Command Rapid Response team rushed to the area and saw a huge mound of loads near the river bank.
He stated further that the covered mound was Saks of donkey skins carefully arranged, awaiting a boat for an onward smuggling out of the Country, adding that the items were evacuated and from the location and brought to the Headquarters in Birnin-Kebbi.
Mr. Attah explained that physical examination of the items revealed 94 jumbo sacks, each containing 36 pieces making a total of 2,820 donkey skins.
He explained further that donkey skins fall under Scheduled 6 of Common External Tariff 2022 -2026 exportation of which is prohibited, noting that the intent to smuggle it out of the Country therefore contravenes Section 63(b) of CEMA CAP C. 45 laws of the Federation of Nigeia, 2004 as amended.
"This level of poaching resulting in the slaughtering of 2,820 donkeys is not acceptable, if this is allowed to continue, donkeys will go into extintion". He said.
He said further that "Nigeria is a signatory to a multi lateral Convention on International Trade on Endagered Species Flora and Fauna (CITES) which makes trade on donkey skins illegal."
Pointing out that the items were converted to seizures and in line with the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs, the 94 jumbo sacks of the donkey skins are being handed over to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Kebbi State in the spirit of interagency collaboration.
"As an agency of the government wth the responsibility to facilitate trade among others, Nigeria Customs Service is also duty bound to ensure that illegitimate trade does not thrive. The Command is determined to nip smuggling in the bud as long as the general public are willing to support us with useful information about smuggling activities. " He averred.