The Nigerian Customs Service’s Area 2 Command in Onne, Rivers State, has successfully collaborated with the National Security Adviser’s office to destroy approximately 60 containers of substandard and unlawfully imported pharmaceutical products valued at billions of naira.
The demolition occurred at the Rivers State Waste Management dump site along Port Harcourt Airport Road on Wednesday.
During the operation, Timi Bomodi, Assistant Controller General of Customs from the Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation Department, stated that this was a multi-agency initiative established by the National Security Adviser. He emphasized the committee’s vital role in identifying, isolating, evacuating, and destroying questionable pharmaceuticals entered illegally into Nigeria.
“Today we are destroying about 64 pieces of 40-foot containers, with an estimated market value reaching hundreds of billions of naira. We are executing this operation impartially, sending a clear message to all involved in these practices that they must cease immediately,” Bomodi stated.
Highlighting the risks these products pose to Nigerian health and security, he noted, “These pharmaceuticals present a significant danger to Nigerian citizens. They have been utilized by criminals for illicit activities, contributing to societal harm.”
Bomodi detailed that the containers had been previously seized by various agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. These agencies collaborate to ensure secure import practices.
He acknowledged that while there have been some arrests linked to this operation, investigations are ongoing, and specific figures cannot be released yet. Some items were found with fraudulent import documents, complicating the identification of responsible parties.
Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, expressed his approval of the committee’s efforts. Represented by Commodore Kelechi Ogbonna, Ribadu stressed that the initiative aims to prevent these hazardous products from entering the community.
“The objectives include locating substandard, fake, and illicit pharmaceuticals, as well as narcotics such as tramadol and codeine, which are often abused and facilitate criminal activities. Locations such as Apapa Port, Tincan Island Port, Onne Port, and others have been identified for further action against these products,” Ribadu said.
The destruction of the dangerous items began weeks ago in Lagos, with over 70 containers already addressed in the first phase. The Port Harcourt operation marks another critical step toward safeguarding the health and security of Nigerians by removing these dangerous products from circulation.
The National Security Adviser’s multi-agency approach showcases the government’s commitment to tackling illegal trade for a safer Nigeria, reinforced by robust cooperation from state governments and communities.
