The recent interception of a container shipment carrying 844 rifles and 112,500 live ammunitions at Onne Port in Rivers State has sparked a renewed call for transparency from former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Shehu Sani. In a tweet on Monday, July 1, Sani commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its efforts in combating the illegal importation of arms and ammunition, but urged the agency to go beyond the mere seizure of the contraband and reveal the identity of those behind the illegal importation.
"This is a commendable move by the Customs authorities," Sani wrote. "In a country plagued by terrorism, every step taken to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition is crucial.
However, what's next is crucial - we need to know who the chief importer is, not just parade the crew of the ship."
According to Politics Nigeria, The Customs Service had earlier reported that it had seized the container coming from Turkey, which was carrying an assortment of weapons, including Tomahawk Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles, VC Verney Caron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Rifles, VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Double Barrel Rifles, and Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition. The duty-paid value of the container was reportedly N4,171,710,000.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, briefed journalists at Onne Port on the seizure, revealing that eight other containers with falsely declared contents, including used clothes and cough syrup with codeine, had also been seized with a total duty-paid value of N13,915,710,000.
Sani's call for transparency comes at a time when Nigerians are still reeling from the effects of widespread insecurity across the country. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons has been identified as a major challenge in combating terrorism and other forms of violence.
As such, it is crucial that those behind the illegal importation of these weapons are brought to justice and held accountable for their actions.
The NCS has promised to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that all those involved face the full weight of the law. However, Sani's demand for transparency underscores the need for accountability and openness in governance.
It remains to be seen whether the NCS will heed his call and provide answers to Nigerians on who is behind this illegal importation.