The Nigeria Customs Service said its operatives intercepted nine containers carrying offensive items including arms, ammunition, Illicit drugs and second-hand clothes worth N13.9 billion.
Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi briefed journalists on Monday at the Customs Port Harcourt Area Two Command in Onne regarding recent achievements of the Service.
He disclosed that the intercepted consignments originated from Turkey and included rifles and ammunition concealed within containers alongside doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags.
Adeniyi highlighted that three suspects were apprehended in connection with the intercepted containers, attributing the success to collaboration and intelligence sharing with sister security agencies.
He detailed, “One of these containers, MAEU165396, originating from Turkey, became a subject of interest due to various risk factors. Through collaboration with local, national, and international intelligence communities, we monitored its journey closely.”
“On Friday, 21 June 2024, after attempts to evade standard procedures via a Private Bonded Terminal, a thorough physical examination of the container revealed alarming contents: 844 rifles and 112,500 live ammunition rounds,” he added.
Adeniyi provided specifics on the weapons seized, stating, “These included Tomahawk Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles, VC Verney Carron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Rifles, VC Verney Carron Gunmaker Double Barrel Rifles, and other types of ammunition.”
He also mentioned the duty-paid value of the container, totaling N4,171,710,000.00, and confirmed the detention of three suspects pending further investigation and prosecution.
Additionally, Adeniyi noted the interception of eight more 40-foot containers en route to a bonded warehouse from Onne Port. These containers contained large quantities of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine, Tramadol Benzhexol Tablets, and used clothes, with a combined duty-paid value of N13,915,710,000.00.
He assured that all seized items would be transferred to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for thorough investigation and prosecution.
Adeniyi concluded by warning against any complicity by Customs officers in illegal activities, pledging rewards for those who uphold their duty to the nation. He commended the Onne Port Customs Area Comptroller and his team for their diligent efforts.
In response, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Major General A. G. Lala, praised the Customs Service for its achievements, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among security agencies to combat illicit activities such as arms smuggling and drug trafficking, which undermine national security and development.
Ribadu underscored the government’s commitment to improving national security to foster development and urged continued vigilance and cooperation among all security agencies.