PeakNews Online
By JohnPaul Amaechi
Lagos, Nigeria – Less than 48 hours after announcing the interception of a container loaded with arms and ammunition from Turkey at Onne Port, Rivers State, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has reported another significant seizure.
This time, a cache of arms and ammunition worth N270 million was intercepted at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.
The consignment, intercepted at the cargo section of MMA, also originated from Turkey. One suspect is currently in custody.
According to the Customs Chief, military hardware and accoutrements were also seized by the airport command. “You may recall that the Nigeria Customs TCIP Command recently impounded 11 rifles and 6 pistols, among other items. Similarly, just two days ago, a press briefing of this kind was held in Port Harcourt, where we showcased the seizure of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition,” he said.
Adeniyi continued, “In a related development, we are here again to inform the public that the Murtala Muhammed Area Command, acting on credible intelligence from our local and international collaborators, on 19 June 2024, deployed its personnel to man all exit points effectively and mandated all examination officers to conduct 100% examination of all consignments.”
During the examination, parts of a rifle were discovered in a consignment with airway bill number 235-58737755, originating from Turkey. The entire consignment was isolated for thorough examination, revealing 55 pieces of unassembled Jojef Magnum (Tomahawk) semi-automatic shotguns concealed in shower faucets. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these illicit arms is N270.8 million. The suspect in custody is assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Adeniyi highlighted that recent seizures indicate some unscrupulous Nigerians based in Turkey are involved in purchasing, packaging, and exporting 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,” he stated.
In addition to the firearms, the Customs Boss reported the seizure of other military and paramilitary hardware worth N1.29 billion, including drones, ballistic vests, helmets, walkie-talkies, and other items.
The breakdown includes:
148 pieces of drones
172 pieces of ballistic vests
15 pieces of ballistic vests
1 ballistic helmet
8 walkie-talkies
9,172 military and paramilitary badges
20 camouflage uniforms
100 camouflage vests
172 camouflage caps
120 binoculars
The total DPV of all seized items is N1.56 billion.
Adeniyi emphasized the consequences for illicit importation under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. The 55 unassembled shotguns and their concealing items are seized and will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for investigation and prosecution. The suspect will also be transferred to the center for further processing. The Customs Service will collaborate with other government agencies to apprehend all parties involved.
He concluded, “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.”
