Onne Port, Rivers State – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully intercepted a container arriving from Turkey containing a substantial cache of arms and ammunition. This seizure underscores the ongoing efforts to curb illegal arms trafficking into the country.
Details of the Seizure
The container, subjected to a physical examination on June 21, 2024, was found to contain 844 rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition. The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, provided a detailed inventory during a briefing at Onne Port:
- 764 units of Tomahawk Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles
- 10 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Rifles
- 50 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Double Barrel Rifles
- 20 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Single Barrel Rifles, Exclusive Series
- Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition
Financial Implications
The duty-paid value of the intercepted container is N4,171,710,000. In addition to this significant haul, the NCS has also seized eight other containers with falsely declared contents, including used clothes and cough syrup with codeine, bringing the total duty-paid value of these seizures to N13,915,710,000.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the intercepted container and are currently in custody. The NCS has launched a thorough investigation to ensure that all individuals involved in this illegal activity are brought to justice.
Official Statements
Comptroller General Adeniyi commended the officers involved in the operation for their diligence and vigilance. He issued a stern warning to others who may consider engaging in similar illegal activities, emphasizing that the NCS will not tolerate any actions that compromise the nation’s economy and security.
“We are committed to ensuring that those involved face the full wrath of the law,” Adeniyi stated. “The NCS remains resolute in its mission to protect the country from the infiltration of illegal arms and ammunition.”
Conclusion
This significant seizure by the Nigeria Customs Service highlights the ongoing challenges and efforts in combating illegal arms trafficking. The successful operation at Onne Port demonstrates the agency’s dedication to maintaining national security and upholding the law.