Nigerian Customs Seizes Cache of Illicit Arm Worth over ₦4 billion

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition at the Onne Port, Rivers State. Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi disclosed the details during a media briefing on Monday, held at the Area 2 Command, Onne, where the seized items were declared and handed over to the appropriate authorities.

“Based on intelligence sharing, a 40-footer container with No MAEU-165396, which originated from Turkey, was tracked due to risk factors associated with its importation,” Adeniyi stated. “The container, laden with rifles and ammunition concealed in various items such as dolls, furniture, and plumbing fittings, was intercepted at a bonded terminal of the Onne Port on 21 June 2024.”

The operation uncovered 844 assorted rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition, with a duty-paid value exceeding ₦4 billion. The customs chief confirmed that three suspects are currently in custody, secured under a detention warrant from a competent court of justice. “A thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure that all culprits involved in this nefarious business face the full weight of the law,” he asserted.

The seized arms and ammunition have been transferred to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW). The handover was attended by the National Coordinator of the NCCSALW, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Johnson Kokumo, who praised the customs service for their diligence.

“This seizure is a testament to the unwavering contributions of the Nigerian Customs Service to protect our nation from the dangers posed by illicit arms,” Kokumo remarked. “The NCCSALW will ensure that these weapons are properly documented and destroyed to prevent them from ever posing a threat to our society.”

The seized container, identified as MAEU165396, contained 764 Tomahawk Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles, 10 VC Verney Caron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Rifles, 50 VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Double Barrel Rifles, and 20 VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Single Barrel Rifles. These weapons were skillfully concealed within items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags. The duty-paid value of the container stands at an estimated ₦4,171,710,000.

Additionally, the customs service declared another significant seizure involving an 80 by 40 container with a duty-paid value of ₦9.6 billion. This container was laden with Tramadol, codeine, other illicit drugs, and 720 bales of second-hand clothing valued at ₦144 million.

Kokumo emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the NCCSALW, the NCS, and other security agencies to effectively combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. “The cooperation and intelligence sharing among local, national, and international partners were instrumental in the success of this operation,” he noted.

The NCCSALW extended its gratitude to the National Security Adviser for his steadfast support and guidance in the Centre’s mission to create a safer Nigeria. This latest interception is a significant step in the collaborative efforts between national security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and public safety.

With these significant seizures, the Nigerian Customs Service has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that its trade facilitation process is not compromised by criminal activities. “We will not allow our friendly-trade facilitation process to be compromised,” Adeniyi assured.

This landmark operation highlights the crucial role of intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation in combating illegal arms trafficking, ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria.

Mimi Mefo Info