In its resolve to secure the national frontiers and foster national security, the Nigerian Customs Service has yet made another significant success by intercepting illicit arms at the Murtala Muhammed Area Command, Lagos.
This is coming after the recently seizure of 11 rifles and 6 pistols, among other items by the Tincan Island Command of the Service as well as the seizure of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition in Port Harcourt.
Addressing news men at the MM Command in Lagos, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, disclosed that on 19 June 2024, MM Area Command, acted on credible intelligence from both local and international collaborators, deployed its personnel to man all the exit points effectively and mandated all examination officers to conduct 100% examination of all consignments.
He stated that during the examination, an item was discovered and suspected to be part of a rifle from a console consignment with airway bill number 235-58737755, emanating from Turkey.
Consequently, the entire consignment was isolated for thorough examination. At the end of the examination, it was established that 4 packages were used to conceal 55 pieces of unassembled Jojef Magnum (TOMAHAWK) semi automatic shotgun.
He added that the unassembled rifles which is an illicit arms, with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Two Hundred and Seventy Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Nine Naira and Twenty-Nine Kobo (N270, 888, 109.29), were concealed using shower faucet.
While hinting that a suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure, the CGC added that some Military and Paramilitary accoutrements imported without end users’ certificates were equally seized.
in his words “A suspect is currently in our custody in connection with this illicit arms importation and is assisting with an ongoing investigation to uncover the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
‘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.
“Also, on display this afternoon are some Military and Paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of One Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Nineteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira and Ninety-One Kobo (N1,298,019,276.91) only”, he dissclosed.
He gave the breakdown of the seized items to include: Drones (148pcs), Ballistic Vest (172pcs), Ballistic Plate (15pcs), Ballistic Helmet (1pc), Walkie Talkie (8pcs) and Military &Paramilitary Badges (9,172pcs).
Others are Camouflage Uniform (20pcs), Camouflage Vest (100pcs), Camouflage Cap (172pcs) and Binocular (120pcs)
The total Duty Paid Value of all the displayed items is One Billion Five Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million Nine Hundred and Seven Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty-Six Naira and 48 Kobo (N1,568,907,386.48) only.
Stating the aftermath of the impounded items, the Comptroller General said, “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 ununassembled Jojef Magnum 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”, CGC Adewale Adeniyi quipped.
The Service boss added that the seizure sends an unequivocal warning to anyone considering similar illicit importation.
Stressing that the Service is relentless in its pursuit of securing our national frontiers and fostering national security, he stated that under his leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service will not condone any act that threatens the nation’s national security and economic prosperity.
He however commend the Customs Area Comptroller MMAC, MT AWE and his dedicated officers and men for the interceptions, stating that their unwavering professionalism and commitment are truly commendable.
He also express his gratitude to their various partners, both local and international, who provided invaluable intelligence that was crucial for the interception.
