Former Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani has issued a strong call for transparency and accountability within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). In a statement on his verified Twitter account, Sani urged the Customs authorities to publicly disclose the identities of individuals and groups responsible for the illegal importation of arms into the country.
“The Customs should help the country by disclosing the names of persons illegally importing these arms they have seized at the Airports and the Sea Ports,” Sani tweeted. His remarks highlight growing concerns over the proliferation of illicit arms in Nigeria, a nation already grappling with significant security challenges.
The illegal flow of arms has been a critical issue in Nigeria, contributing to widespread violence and insecurity. From insurgency in the northeast to banditry and kidnappings in other parts of the country, the presence of unauthorized weapons exacerbates the difficulties faced by security forces and communities. Sani’s call for transparency is seen as a push for the government to address the root causes of these security issues more effectively.
By demanding that the Nigeria Customs Service reveal the identities of those involved in the smuggling of arms, Sani is advocating for a more robust approach to combating this threat. The disclosure of such information could potentially deter future illegal activities and provide the public with insights into the networks facilitating the arms trade.