The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Seme Area Command, has foiled an attempt to smuggle an endangered sea turtle into the Republic of Benin by an unlawful border route.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs John Tunde Ayagbalo, disclosed the event in a press release.
According to the assertion, the Olive Ridley sea turtle, scientifically often called Lepidochelys olivacea, was intercepted throughout a routine patrol by Customs officers at about 10:30 pm on Thursday.
The command stated the officers noticed a suspicious particular person carrying a sack alongside a footpath linking Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
However, the suspect reportedly deserted the sack and escaped into a close-by bush after noticing the patrol staff.
“A search of the abandoned sack revealed a live sea turtle concealed inside,” the assertion revealed.
“The animal was secured before being handed over to relevant wildlife authorities.”
He stated the authorities would supply correct care and rehabilitation for the turtle earlier than finally releasing it into its pure habitat.
The performing Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Norman Olisah Alumanah, described the interception on account of the vigilance and professionalism of the officers.
Alumanah warned smugglers, poachers and their associates in opposition to utilizing Nigeria’s borders for unlawful wildlife commerce.
He stated the command had strengthened patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering to forestall the motion of endangered species throughout its space of duty.
The Customs chief additionally urged residents of border communities to present credible data that would assist officers determine and cease wildlife trafficking.
