The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi has showcased another seizure of Arms and Military Equipment at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, 3 July 2024.
This is coming barely 48 hrs after the Customs Boss showcased a similar seizure of 844 Riffles and 112,500 Rounds of Ammunition at the Port Harcourt Area II Command in Onne.
During the press briefing in Lagos, the CGC disclosed that the items which emanated from Turkey were intercepted on 19 June 2024, based on credible intelligence from local and international collaborators.
“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 4 packages were used to conceal 55 PIECES OF Unassembled Jojef Magnum (Tomahawk) Semi-Automatic Shotgun. The unassembled rifles were concealed using a Shower Faucet.
“The Duty Paid Value of these illicit arms is N270, 888, 109.29. A suspect is currently in our custody in connection with this illicit arms importation and is assisting with an ongoing investigation to uncover the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” the CGC stated.
Additionally, the CGC also showcased Military and Paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,298,019,276.91.
A breakdown of the items include; 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, 120pcs Binoculars—all items with a total Duty Paid Value of N1,568,907,386.48.
According to the CGC, analysis of the 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.”
Furthermore, the Customs Boss stated 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.
He 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.
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.
