Barely 48 hours after displaying a major haul of rifles intercepted from a container laden with arms, ammunition imported into the country from Turkey in Onne Port, Rivers state, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Wednesday night announced another interception of cache of arms and ammunition at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos valued at N270 million.
One suspect is currently assisting the Customs in their investigation of the consignment intercepted at the cargo section of the MMA also said to have been imported from Turkey.
The CG disclosed that military hardwares and accouterments were also intercepted by the airport command.
He said, “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.
“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 the exit points effectively and mandated all examination officers to conduct 100% examination of all consignments.
“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 Turkiye. 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.
“The unassembled rifles were concealed using shower faucets. The Duty Paid Value of these illicit arms is N270.8 million and 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.”
The Customs Boss also stated that other military and para-military hard-wares and accoutrement were also seized by the command worth N1.29 billion.
The military accouterments are drones, ballistic vest, helmet, walkie talkies among others.
“Also, on display are some Military and Paramilitary accouterments improperly imported without end users’ certificates with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.29 billion. The breakdown of these items is as follows: 148 pieces of drones; 172 pieces of ballistic vest; 15 pieces of ballistic vest; one piece of ballistic helmet; 8 pieces of walkie talkies; 9,172 pieces of military and para-military badges.”