Again, Customs intercepts arms, military accoutrements, others worth over N1.5 billion at Lagos airport
Again, Customs intercepts arms, military accoutrements, others worth over N1.5 billion at Lagos airport
Segun Oladipupo
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has again intercepted arms, military and paramilitary accoutrements worth over N1.568 billion at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) command in Lagos
This is coming after a major breakthrough with seizure of containers of arms and ammunition at Port Harcourt Area 2 command, Onne, Rivers State on Monday.
Displaying the seized items, the Comptroller General of Customs, CG Adewale Adeniyi disclosed that the consignment with airway bill no 235-58737755 from Turkey, was discovered during examination to contain 55 pieces of unassembled Jojef Magnum (TOMAHAWK) Semi automatic shotgun
The unassembled rifles were concealed with shower faucet with Duty Paid Value of N270,888,109.29
The CG maintained that a suspected was arrested in connection with the seizure saying investigation is ongoing to unearth the perpetrators of the crime
Adeniyi also displayed some military and paramilitary accoutrements imported without end users’ certificate. The accoutrements were valued at N1.298,019,276.91.
The breakdown of the seized items are: 148 pieces of drones, 172 pieces of ballistic vest, 15 pieces of ballistic plate, 1 piece of ballistic helmet, 8 pieces of walkie talkie, 9,172 pieces of military and paramilitary badges, 20 pieces of camouflage uniform, 100 pieces of camouflage vest, 172 pieces of camouflage cap and 120 pieces of binoculars
The total Duty Aid Value of all displayed items is N1,568,907,386.48 only.
His words, “Analysis of this and similar recent seizures indicates that some unscrupulous Nigerians based in Turkey are purchasing, packaging and exporting these illicit arms to Nigeria. Intelligence further revealed that they are exploring new frontiers to perpetrate their nefarious activities. Still, I can assure Nigerians that all our Commands are on red alert to intercept any such illicit arms importation.
“Relying on the relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the following decisions have been taken on the illicit items.
“The 55 pieces of unassembled JOJEF MAGNUM SEMI AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN are hereby seized, with the concealing items.
“The items would be handed over to the Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the office of the National Security Adviser, for diligent investigation and prosecution.
“The Suspect arrested will be handed over to the centre for further processing; we will work diligently with other Agencies of Government to apprehend all other parties to this illicit importation.
“All other controlled items imported without the requisite end-user certificates are hereby seized.
“Officers whose diligence, integrity and dedication to duty resulted in this remarkable seizure would be adequately rewarded in a manner provided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
“In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt commendation to Customs Area Comptroller MMAC, MT AWE and his dedicated officers and men for these interceptions. Their unwavering professionalism and commitment are truly commendable. I also wish to express our deep gratitude to our various partners, both local and international, who provided invaluable intelligence that was crucial for this interception.
“Lastly, this seizure sends an unequivocal warning to anyone considering similar illicit importation. The Service is relentless in its pursuit of securing our national frontiers and fostering national security. Under my leadership, the Service will not condone any act that threatens this nation’s national security and economic prosperity” he said
