Speaking at a press briefing in Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos, The Comptroller General Of Customs, Adeniyi said recently, the Customs impounded several rifles and dangerous weapons at the Tin Can Island port.
Two days ago, we held a press briefing at Onne Port Harcourt to showcase the seizure of over 800 different kinds of rifles and 100,000 rounds of ammunition.
We are now informing the public that the Murtala Mohammed Area commands, the cargo units, acted on credible intelligence from our collaborators on the 19th of January, June 2024. As a result, personnel were deployed to man all exit points effectively and mandated proper examination on all consignments.
During the examination, an item was discovered and suspected to be part of a rifle from a consolidated consignment originating from Turkey.
The entire consignment was isolated for examination, and it was established that four packages inside this consignment were used to conceal 55 pieces of unassembled Georgia Magnum Tomahawk semi-automatic shotgun, concealed using shower faucets.
The illicit arms seized have a duty-paid value of N270,888,109.29k. Our focus lies not on the monetary worth, but on the imminent danger and threats they pose to national security.
Currently, one suspect is in custody, aiding ongoing investigations into this importation. It is crucial to uncover the masterminds behind this heinous crime.
Recent seizures, including this one, suggest that unscrupulous Nigerians in Turkey and parts of Europe are involved in purchasing and smuggling illicit arms into Nigeria.
Intelligence reports indicate that these individuals are constantly seeking new ways to carry out their criminal activities.
While previous seizures occurred at seaports, this latest attempt was made through airports. Rest assured, all our commands are on high alert to intercept any such illicit arms importation, regardless of the mode or entry point.
The pistols and pump-action rifles on display today are not the only items of concern. Also showcased are various military and paramilitary gear that were improperly imported without end-user certificates, totaling a duty-paid value of over N1,298,19,276.91.
Among these items are 148 drones, 172 ballistic vests, 15 ballistic plates, 1 ballistic element, 8 walkie-talkies, 9,172 military and paramilitary badges, 20 camouflage vests, 20 camouflage uniforms, 100 camouflage vests, 172 camouflage caps, and 120 binoculars.
The total duty paid value for all items exhibited is N1,568,907,308.48.
By the Nigerian Customs Service Act 2023, the decision has been made to seize the 55 unassembled Georgia Magnum semi-automatic shotguns along with all associated items.
These items will be transferred to the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution.
The suspect currently in custody will be transferred to the Center for further processing and will collaborate closely with other government agencies to apprehend all other individuals possibly involved in this smuggling operation.
All unauthorized items that were brought into the country without the necessary end-user certificates will be confiscated and handed over to the Office of the National Security Advisor.
Officers who played a key role in this successful seizure through their hard work, integrity, and commitment to duty will be duly recognized and rewarded by the Nigerian Customs Service Act 2023.
In cases where officers are found to have compromised their positions or allegiance to the country, they will face severe sanctions as stipulated by the law.
CGC Adeniyi expressed his sincere appreciation to the Customs Area Comptroller Murtala Mohammed Airport, Comptroller N.T. Awe, and his team for their efforts in this interception. His dedication to professionalism and integrity is truly praiseworthy.
He also extended his heartfelt thanks to all of Customs’ diverse partners, some of whom are domestic and some international, for collaborating with the customs and providing invaluable intelligence that was crucial for this interception.
Lastly, with operations like this, the customs is sending a strong warning to anyone considering using these routes through airports, seaports, or land borders to smuggle contraband into Nigeria.
We will be unwavering in our efforts to secure our national borders and promote national security. We will not tolerate any actions that jeopardize the nation’s security and economic well-being.
