Insecurity: Customs nabs cache of arms, ammunition at Onne port worth over N4 billion
..CGC vows to run smugglers out of business
Segun Oladipupo
The Port Harcourt Area 2 command, Onne Port has intercepted a large cache of arms and ammunition in a 40- feet container imported from Turkey
Briefing the press, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said that the seizure was.made possible through credible intelligence on June 21, 2024
The CG stated that while officers, were inspecting a suspicious 1×40-foot container from Turkey, discovered it contained 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition.
The CGC told journalists that the cache of arms were concealed among furniture, plumbing fittings and leather bags with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦4,171,710,000.00.
His words, “This interception underscores our commitment to national security and public safety.
“We remain vigilant and committed to our duty. Three suspects have been detained in connection with the seizure, with a thorough investigation underway to ensure all involved face legal consequences.”
In addition, on June 29, 2024, Customs officers intercepted eight 40-foot containers destined for a bonded warehouse from Onne Port.
These containers contained 1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine, 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol, and 720 bales of used clothes with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦13,915,710,000.00.
“These seizures result from our robust Risk Management System and collaboration with intelligence communities both locally and internationally.
“The container bearing the arms and ammunition will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution. Licenses and permits of warehouses and terminals involved have been suspended, and officers found complicit will face severe sanctions,” the CGC said.
Comptroller General Adeniyi commended the Customs Area Comptroller Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede, and his team for their professionalism.
” He also acknowledged the crucial support from local and international partners as well as other government agencies.
“This seizure serves as a strong warning to others contemplating similar misadventures.
“We will run you out of business; the NCS continues to demonstrate its dedication to protecting Nigeria’s borders and ensuring the security of its citizens,” Adeniyi concluded.
