Again, Customs Seizes 55 Firearms at Lagos Airport
. Also intercepts N1.5 Billion Military Gadgets
. Beams Searchlight On Nigerian Syndicates In Turkey, Arrests One
By Sulaimon Salau
Barely 24 hours after the Nigeria Customs Service paraded the 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition seized at Onne Port, Port Harcourt, the agency has again intercepted another round of arms and ammunition at the Murtala Muhammed Area Command, Ikeja, Lagos.
Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who disclosed this in Lagos today (Wednesday) said officers uncovered 55 pieces of unassembled Jojef Magnum (TOMAHAWK) semi automatic shotgun in a consignment and concealed in a shower faucet.
Adeniyi said a suspect is currently in custody in connection with the illicit arms importation.
Also seized are several military uniforms and gadgets.
He said: “During an 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 in a consignment and concealed in a shower faucet.
“The unassembled rifles were concealed using Shower Faucet.
The Duty Paid Value of the illicit arms is N270.8 million.
“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” he stated.
The Customs boss said 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,” he stated.
Also displayed were some Military and Paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.2 billion.
The items are: Drones 148pcs; Ballistic Vests, 172pcs; Ballistic Plate 15pcs; Ballistic Helmet 1pc; Walkie Talkie 8pcs; Military & Paramilitary Badges 9,172pcs; Camouflage Uniform 20pcs; Camouflage Vest 100pcs; Camouflage Cap 172pcs; and Binoculars 120pcs.
He said 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.
Also, 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.
He noted that 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.
Adeniyi said: “Under my leadership, the Service will not condone any act that threatens this nation’s national security and economic prosperity.”
Recall that the Tin can Island Command of Customs had also recently impounded 11 rifles and 6 pistols, among other items.
