The Federal Government has formally handed over more than
600 snakes, spiders and millipedes recently seized in Calabar to the University
of Uyo, in Akwa Ibom.
Personnel of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Cross
River and Akwa Ibom Commands intercepted three consignments containing 140
species of snakes and 600 animals at the NIWA jetty, Calabar on July 24.
He, however, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for
its gallantry, saying that government expected an official recommendation on
the customs officers that impounded the animals.
“The Federal Government commends the officers and men of
Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies involved in the interception of
these animals.
“We thank them for portraying the country in good light,
because everything we hear about Nigeria is negative.
“I must commend the Nigeria Customs Service for doing
something positive for our country,’’ he said.
According to him, the officers and men of the NCS have
done the country proud, adding that the nation must appreciate them.
The minister said that the Federal Government would
continue to reward Nigerians who demonstrated commitment to the service of
their fatherland.
Jibril urged Nigerians to shun negative tendencies
capable of tarnishing the nation’s image stressing that government would not
hesitate to punish evil deeds.
Receiving the animals on behalf of the University, Dr
Edem Eniang of the Department Forestry and National Services, said that the
original destination of the animals was from Cameroon to Luxemburg.
“But the people decided to pass through Calabar because
probably, it was more convenient for them to travel through Calabar,‘’ he said.
Eniang, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of
Nigerian Bio-Diversity Centre,Uyo, said the animals were very viable for conservation.
“They are all poisonous snakes and they are very valuable
because their venom could be used for many kinds of medicine, including
anti-venoms.
“The poisonous snakes in this region are very valuable
and we will examine them, especially the ones that are still alive, we will
rehabilitate them and make recommendations to the government.”
He disclosed that some of the animals had died while
others escaped.
Contributing, Mr Sunday Ukut, the State Director of
Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services, described the seizure as “a break
through” by a combined effort of NCS and other relevant security agencies at
the port.
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