Business
Customs Seizes N3.2bn Pangolin Scales, Elephant Tusks
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
The Nigeria Customs Service says it has intercepted N3.2 billion worth of pangolin scales and elephant tusks from a Siena with registration number KRD 541 HH in Lekki area of Lagos State.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Hameed Ali, made this known at a news conference held recently in Lagos.
Ali, who was represented by the former National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Mr Joseph Attah, said that the seizure was carried out on the second if February by men of the CGC Strike Force.
According to him,”Upon credible intelligence, the CGC’s Strike Force stormed Lekki area of Lagos and intercepted one Toyota Sienna bus with registration number KRD 541 HH with chassis: STDZA23C955338572 suspected to be loaded with the contraband goods.
“Immediately, the vehicle with its content, including four occupants (all Nigerians) were taken to the station and detained.
“Upon 100 percent joint physical examination, the following items were found: 15 sacks of Pangolin scales and four sacks of elephant tusks.
“The total quantity of Elephant tusks intercepted is 145kg while the total quantity of Pangolin scales is 839.4kg with a total value of N3,155,667,500,’’ he said.
Ali noted that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission, targeting the illegal trade of wildlife from Africa to Asia.
He said it was the fourth major seizure of Pangolin scales, ivory and other assorted wildlife parts in Nigeria within the last 13 months.
“We wish to specifically commend the Wildlife Justice Commission for their continued commitment to this cause through the provision of credible and actionable intelligence”, he said.
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.