Cameroonian

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has apprehended a Cameroonian national, Mohammed Ibrahim, in possession of a pistol, live ammunition, and 52 elephant tusks in Mfum, a border town in the Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River. 

Comptroller Ahmed Waziri, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Cross River/CFTZ/Akwa Ibom Command, disclosed this development during a press briefing held in Calabar on Monday, February 12, 2024. 

The arrest, which took place on Thursday, February 8, 2024, was executed by NCS operatives stationed in Mfum.

The confiscated elephant tusks, weighing a total of 200kg, were estimated to be valued at N300 million. 

According to Comptroller Waziri, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect, Mohammed Ibrahim, specialised in the illegal exportation of elephant tusks across international borders.

Ibrahim was intercepted while allegedly en route to Lagos for further transportation of the illicit items. 

The suspect was driving a Honda SUV truck with the number plate FST 733 HH. Upon inspection, a pistol and live ammunition were discovered concealed within the vehicle.

Interestingly, Ibrahim possessed two sets of number plates, one from Lagos (FST 733 HH) and the other from Cameroon (LT 214 AY). 

“This arrest serves as a stern warning that Nigeria will not tolerate being exploited as a transit route for illicit products,” stated Comptroller Waziri.

He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment as a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), aimed at combating illegal wildlife trafficking. 

He also commended the officers at Mfum for their diligence, which led to the interception of items worth over N300 million and the apprehension of the suspect. 

Acknowledging the support received from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management team, Waziri expressed gratitude for their instrumental role in facilitating successful operations such as this.