In a major operation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the interception of 31 rifles that were shipped into the country from the United States. Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos on July 16, commending the efforts of dedicated and diligent officers involved in the operation.
The first seizure occurred on July 5 during a joint operation with the Nigeria Police, Department of State Security, National Drug Law Enforcement and Administration, and the Customs Intelligence Unit at the Ports Terminal and Multi Services Limited Command. A thorough examination of a 40 ft container revealed the concealment of 10 dangerous arms and various rounds of live ammunition hidden inside plastic drums. The details of the seized items included new pump-action rifles, pistols, and ammunition.
Two suspects, Shokunbi Olanrewaju of Shooler Global International Ltd. and Joseph Nwadiodor, were detained in connection with the seizure.
In another operation, the Tincan Island Port Command intercepted 18 arms, packets of cartridges, and rounds of live ammunition inside plastic drums in a 1x40ft container. The seized items included pistols and rifles of various makes, as well as ammunition.
Additionally, a routine patrol along the Owode/Ajilete Axis of Ogun State led to the interception of an unregistered Toyota Camry carrying six sacks of charcoal. Three pump-action rifles with 174 live cartridges were hidden among the charcoal. The driver of the vehicle managed to escape arrest.
Adeniyi emphasized the importance of tackling the proliferation of illicit arms to curb violent crimes like kidnappings, robberies, and mass killings in society. He assured compliant traders and importers of their safety while urging everyone to play their part in ensuring national security.
The Nigeria Customs Service has re-strategized its operations to address the economic and security challenges caused by recalcitrant importers and their agents. Importers and agents were urged to be patriotic by making sincere declarations and adhering to the import and export prohibition lists.
Adeniyi also called on the public to provide information on illegal importation and cross border movement of dangerous weapons to enhance national security efforts.
