In a significant development, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Muritala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) revealed on Friday that it intercepted combat-ready Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, alongside military hardware. The Customs Area Controller, Compt. Charles Orbih, provided details during a press briefing on the command’s activities in 2023.
Compt. Orbih disclosed that the combat drone, equipped with first aid box space, weapon storage, and a flight capacity of 70 hours, was seized for lacking the essential End User Certificate (EUC) from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). Additionally, the command detained 154 drones that exceeded the allowed specifications for entry into the country.
While highlighting the specifications of the combat drone, Compt. Orbih emphasized that it weighed about 5,000 grammes, far exceeding the permissible weight limit for drones in the country. He expressed concerns about the potential use of such drones as weapons of war.
The Customs CAC also reported that the Muritala Mohammed International Airport Command generated N30.5 billion in revenue between January and December 2023, surpassing its yearly target by 5 percent. The revenue was collected from imports, contributing to the overall financial performance of the Customs Service.
Compt. Orbih detailed the various seizures made by the command, including 330 military and security wares, 126 walkie-talkies, and their accessories. He highlighted the commitment and diligence of the officers and men of the command, as well as other units, in carrying out these tasks.
The seizures also included items like cigarettes, artifacts, elephant tusks, counterfeit notes, lady’s footwear, precious stones, and more. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, and investigations are ongoing, with plans to charge them to court upon completion.
The press briefing underscored the Customs Service’s vigilance in addressing security concerns and ensuring compliance with import regulations at the MMIA.
