Customs Intercepts Illicit Weapons Worth Over N1.5 Billion, Arrest Man in Lagos
By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted illegal weapons worth One Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Nineteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira and Ninety-One Kobo (N1,298,019,276.91) at the Murtala Muhammed Area Command, Ikeja, Lagos.
While a man was arrested and has been transferred to the police for further investigation.
This was disclosed on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed Area Command, Ikeja, Lagos by Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs, where he said, “We are gathered here this afternoon to showcase another significant success of our resolve to secure our national frontiers and to foster national security.
“You may recall that the Nigeria Customs TCIP Command recently impounded 11 rifles and 6 pistols, among other items. Similarly, just two days ago, a press briefing of this kind was held in Port Harcourt, where we showcased the seizure of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition. In a related development, we are here again to inform the public that the Murtala Muhammed Area Command, acting on credible intelligence from our local and international collaborators, on 19 June 2024, deployed its personnel to man all the exit points effectively and mandated all examination officers to conduct 100% examination of all consignments.
“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 SHOWER FAUCET. The Duty Paid Value of these illicit arms is Two Hundred and Seventy Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Nine Naira and Twenty-Nine Kobo (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.
“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.
“Also, on display this afternoon are some Military and Paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of One Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Nineteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira and Ninety-One Kobo (N1,298,019,276.91) only.
The breakdown of these items is as follows:
I. Drones148pcs
II. Ballistic Vest172pcs
III. Ballistic Plate15pcs
IV. Ballistic Helmet1pc
V. Walkie Talkie8pcs
VI. Military &Paramilitary Badges. 9,172pcs
VII. Camouflage Uniform20pcs
VIII. Camouflage Vest 100pcs
IX. Camouflage Cap172pcs
X. Binoculars120pcs
The total Duty Paid Value of all the displayed items is One Billion Five Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million Nine Hundred and Seven Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty-Six Naira and 48 Kobo (N1,568,907,386.48) only.
“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.
“In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt commendation to Customs Area Comptroller MMAC, MT AWE and his dedicated officers and men for these interceptions. Their unwavering professionalism and commitment are truly commendable. 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.
“Lastly, 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.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation.”