Nigeria customs intercepts 55 Riffles and other Military Equipment at Lagos Airport. The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) – Adewale Adeniyi showcased seized arms and Military equipment at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command in Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday, July 03, 2024.
Just after 48hrs, the customs boss displayed a similar seizure of 844 Riffles and 112,500 Rounds of Ammunition at the Port Harcourt Area II Command in Onne.
Reportedly, during the press briefing in Lagos, the CGC disclosed the items which were emanated from Turkey and were intercepted on June 19, 2024, mainly based on credible intelligence from local and international collaborators.
According to CGC, while examining, an item was discovered and suspected to be a part of a rifle from a console consignment, that emanated from Turkey.
Consequently, the entire consignment was isolated for thorough examination. The consignment was established within 4 packages which were used to conceal 55 Pieces of Unassembled Jojef Magnum (Tomahawk) Semi-Automatic Shotgun.
The unassembled riffles were concealed using a shower faucet. And as per CGC, the Duty Paid Value of these illicit arms is N270, 888, 109.29.
CGC mentioned that a suspect is currently in their custody in connection with the illicit arms importation and is assisting with an ongoing investigation to uncover the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
As per the sources, the list of breakdown items included 148pcs Drones, 172pcs Ballistic Vests, 15pcs Ballistic Plate, 1pc Ballistic Helmet, 8pcs Walkie Talkie, 9,172pcs Military & Paramilitary Badges, 20pcs Camouflage Uniform, 100pcs Camouflage Vest, 172pcs Camouflage Cap and 120pcs Binoculars. These all items were discovered with a total Duty Paid Value of N1,568,907,386.48.
Analysis by the CGC of the recently seized items indicated that some unscrupulous Nigerians from Turkey are purchasing, packaging and exporting the illicit arms to Nigeria. The Intelligence further revealed that they are exploring new frontiers to perpetrate their illegal activities.
Considering this the Customs Boss said that they still want to assure Nigerians that all their Commands are on red alert to intercept any such illicit arms importation.
Adding further to their statement the Customs boss said that Officers whose diligence, integrity and dedication to duty resulted in remarkable seizure, would be adequately rewarded in a manner provided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Notably, they commended the Customs Area Controller MMAC, Comptroller Michael Awe and his dedicated officers and men for their unwavering professionalism and commitment while also sending an unequivocal warning to perpetrators considering similar illicit importation, as the Service is relentless in its pursuit of securing the country’s national frontiers and fostering national security.
Following this, the items were later handed over to the Zonal 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.