Barely three days after the Nigeria Customs Service displayed a massive seizure of 844 sophisticated riffles and thousands of rounds of ammunitions at Onne Port in Rivers State, the Service on Wednesday announced another startling interception of 55 assorted riffles and military uniforms valued at N1.56 billion at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi who was at the airport to inspect the illegal importations yesterday, said the arms were intercepted by the Murtala Muhammed Area Command, acting on credible intelligence from local and international collaborators, on 19 June 2024, after deploying its personnel to man all the exit points and mandated all examination officers to conduct 100% examination of all consignments.
He said: “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 four packages were used to conceal 55 pieces of unassembled Jojef Magnum (Tomahawk) semi automatic short guns.
“The unassembled rifles were concealed using Shower Faucets. The Duty Paid Value of these illicit arms is N270.88 million.”
He disclosed that a suspect is currently in the Service’s custody in connection with the illicit arms importations and assisting with an ongoing investigation to uncover the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
Recently, arms trafficking into Nigeria from Turkey has become very disturbing. In March 2024, 11 rifles, six pistols and ammunitions were impounded at Tincan Island Port in Lagos.
Similarly, just three days ago, Customs showcased 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition intercepted at Onne Seaport in Rivers State.
“An 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,” Adeniyi disclosed.
The NCS, Murtala Mohammed Airport Command displayed some military and paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates having a duty paid value of about N1.3 billion.
The breakdown of the impounded illicit consignments is as follows:
I. Drones 148pcs
II. Ballistic Vest 172pcs
III. Ballistic Plate 15pcs
IV. Ballistic Helmet 1pc
V. Walkie Talkie 8pcs
VI. Military &Paramilitary Badges. 9,172pcs
VII. Camouflage Uniform 20pcs
VIII. Camouflage Vest 100pcs
IX. Camouflage Cap 172pcs
X. Binoculars 120pcs
The total DPV of all the impounded items is N1.56 billion, according to the Customs Comptroller-General.
“Relying on the relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the following decisions have been taken on the illicit items.
I. The 55 pieces of unassembled JOJEF MAGNUM SEMI AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN are hereby seized, with the concealing items.
II. 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.
III. 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.
IV. All other controlled items imported without the requisite end-user certificates are hereby seized.
V. 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.”
Adeniyi commended the Area Comptroller MMAC, M.T. Awe and his dedicated officers and men for the interceptions, noting that their unwavering professionalism and commitment are yielding good results.
“I also wish to express our deep gratitude to our various partners, both local and international, who provided invaluable intelligence that was crucial for this interception,” he added.
“This seizure sends an unequivocal warning to anyone considering similar illicit importation. The Service is relentless in its pursuit of securing our national frontiers and fostering national security. Under my leadership, the Service will not condone any act that threatens this nation’s national security and economic prosperity,” the Customs boss warned.
