Customs Ondo/Ekiti Command Seizes 59 Sacks of Donkey Meat

In an effort to enforce government policies and protect endangered species, the Ondo/Ekiti Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Tuesday, 16 July 2024, in Akure handed over 59 sacks of dried donkey meat and skin, weighing a total of 936.5 kg, to the National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

In a press statement signed on 17 July 2024 by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Aondoakura Dzungwenen, on behalf of Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Morenikeji Bewaji, highlighted the importance of this action during the handover ceremony.

“Today marks a significant step in our commitment to wildlife conservation and enforcing international treaties to protect endangered species,” she stated.

She said the seizure, which occurred on July 8, 2024, resulted from a well-coordinated operation based on credible intelligence where vigilant officers and Men of the Command made the interception.

Comptroller Bewaji noted that the seizure aligns with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), a treaty to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“CITES strictly prohibits the killing, poaching, and trading of meat, products, and specimens of endangered species such as the donkey, listed in Schedule 2 of the treaty. These animals play crucial roles in our ecosystem and must be protected from exploitation and potential extinction,” Comptroller Bewaji stated.

On behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and the entire officers and men of the Ondo/Ekiti Area Command, Comptroller Bewaji expressed her honour in handing over the seized items to the State Coordinator of NESREA in Ondo State, Ajeigbe Ibijoke.

“This symbolic act underscores our collective responsibility to ensure the safe existence of all endangered species. The Ondo/Ekiti Area Command reaffirms its commitment to implementing all relevant national and international laws and treaties to preserve our biodiversity,” she added.

In her response, Ibijoke, the State Coordinator of NESREA, acknowledged the dedication and cooperation of the Customs Area Controller, officers, and men of the command. She emphasised the importance of teamwork in securing Nigeria’s ecosystem and promised to conduct any further investigations required as she assumed control of the items.