Customs Seizes Cache Of Arms With Duty-Paid-Value Of N4.17bn In Rivers
…NSA, Others Laud Feat
From ERIC MOORE, Port Harcourt
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port Harcourt Area II, Command , Onne, Rivers State, has seized a 1×40 foot container with arms and ammunition with Duty Paid Value of ₦4,171,710,000.00.
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, made the disclosure when he briefed journalists on seizures of arms, ammunition and illicit drugs recorded by the Command in Onne on Monday.
He said the feat were significant developments in their operations to secure the nation’s borders and ensure public safety.
He recalled a recent press briefing of same nature at Tin Can Island Port Lagos, where he disclosed attempts by criminal elements seeking to exploit Customs’ trade facilitation friendly posture to compromise their processes and procedures.
Adeniyi stated: “With our robust Risk Management System, we have always remained a step ahead of their moves. When these attempts revolve around revenue generation, our automated audit systems at different level enable us to trace, track and recover the revenue.
“However, when efforts are geared towards creating actions that will produce irreversible consequences on national security, our alert level is elevated to match the threats posed to us.
“And so it was the case with this 1X40 foot container MAEU165396, which originated from Turkey, and based on a number of risk factors, became a subject of interest.
“We had followed its sail across the Continents, as we benefitted immensely from credible information produced through our collaboration with the intelligence communities, both at the local, national and international levels.
“Working within our local structures, we followed diligently as the Importer attempted to circumvent our procedure through the outlet of a Private Bonded Terminal.
“Consequently, on Friday, 21 June 2024, the suspicious container was subjected to thorough physical examination. The examination result revealed the following alarming contents: 844 units of rifles; 112,500 pieces of live ammunition
“The breakdown is as follows:
764 units of Tomahawk Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles,
10 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Rifles, 50 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Double Barrel Rifles, 20 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Single Barrel Rifles, Exclusive Series, Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition 34g – 25 Plastic Shotgun Shells (70MM).
According to the Comptroller General, the rifles and ammunition were concealed using various items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings and leather bags.
“The duty-paid value of the container is Four Billion, One Hundred and Seventy-One Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦4,171,710,000.00).”
According to him, three suspects were in their custody after securing a detention warrant from a competent court of justice.
He further said a thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure all those involved in the importation face the full wrath of the law.
In another development, Customs through synergy, collaboration, and intelligence sharing with other agencies, on Saturday, 29 June 2024, intercepted yet another 8×40-foot container on transit to a bonded warehouse from Onne Port.
The Comptroller General said upon examination, they (containers) were found to contain, “Six containers laden with:1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine (100ml),
3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol Tablets (5mg). Duty-paid value is ₦9,600,000,000.00.
“Two containers laden with:
720 bales of used clothes with Duty-paid value: ₦144,000,000.00.
“The total duty-paid value of the nine displayed containers is ₦13,915,710,000.00.
“In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the following decisions have been taken with respect to these containers:The 40-footer container of evil, bearing 844 units of assorted Rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition is hereby seized, alongside the other contents previously highlighted.
“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 ultimately rigorous prosecution.
The suspects arrested would be handed over to the Centre for further processing. We will work diligently with other agencies of government to apprehend all other cohorts and death merchants involved in this monkey business.
He, however, that the Licensed permits of the Customs agent have been suspended, adding that personnel of NCS found aiding and abetting the crime would be prosecuted accordingly.
In his address, National Coordinator, National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), DIG Johnson Kokomo (retd), who received the seized arms and ammunition, said Customs has recorded a significant milestone in the security history of the nation.
Kokomo said: It is a day that underscores our collective commitment to ensuring the safety and security of their country, Nigeria.
“As the National Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Like Weapons. We have all gathered to witness the taken over by the NCCSALW of arms and ammunition intercepted by the vigilant and diligent officers of Nigerian Customs Services at Onne Sea Port.
“This operation examplifies the kind of inter-agency collaboration that is essential for tackling the menace of illicit arms proliferation. It is a show of unity of purpose demonstrating that we can achieve remarkable result while we work together.
“This handover is in line with our mandate which includes among others, retrieval, safe keeping and subsequent destruction of all intercepted or illegally acquired weapons.”
According to him, the incident highlighted the serious threats posed by illegal trafficking of arms and ammunition to national security.
He said: “By consolidating our resources and coordinating our actions, we can prevent any risk of diversion of most these arms and ammunition.
“Today’s activities are a turning point in the national security landscape. It signals a new era of enhanced collaboration and decisive action against the threat to national peace and stability.”
Speaking too, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said the interception of the various weapons, ammunition and containers of drugs, as well as used clothings by Customs in Onne, was a great feat.
Ribadu, who was represented by Major General A.G. Lala, said the record underscored the Federal Government of Nigeria’s effort at ridding the country off illicit weapons exacerbating insecurity in many parts of the nation.
He said: “Research and experience has shown that there is a nexus between drug trafficking, smuggling of small arms, money laundering and human trafficking. These has necessitated the need for synergy between security agencies to combat these menace.”