The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted nine containers loaded with 844 assorted guns, 112,500 live bullets, illicit drugs, and used clothes valued at over ₦13.9 billion. The contraband was smuggled into the country through the Onne ports in Rivers State.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, briefed journalists on Monday at the Customs Port Harcourt Area Two Command in Onne, revealing that the consignments originated from Turkey.
Adeniyi disclosed that the firearms and ammunition were concealed in containers alongside various items, including doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags. He noted that three suspects were arrested in connection with the intercepted containers, thanks to synergy, collaboration, and intelligence sharing with other security agencies.
“It was the case with this 1 by 40-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, benefiting immensely from credible information produced through our collaboration with the intelligence communities, both at the local, national, and international levels,” Adeniyi said.
On June 21, 2024, the suspicious container was subjected to a thorough physical examination, revealing alarming contents: 844 units of rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition. The breakdown of the weapons includes 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, and 20 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Single Barrel Rifles, along with 34g Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition 25 Plastic Shotgun Shells (70MM).
The duty-paid value of the container is ₦4,171,710,000.
In addition, Adeniyi reported the interception of another eight 40-foot containers, containing one million bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine (100ml), 3.5 million tablets of Tramadol Benzhexol Tablets (5mg) with a duty-paid value of ₦9,600,000,000, and 720 bales of used clothes with a duty-paid value of ₦144,000,000.
The total duty-paid value of the nine displayed containers is ₦13,915,710,000.
Adeniyi stated that the seized 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 further investigation and prosecution.
He warned that any Customs officers found complicit in such acts would be heavily sanctioned and assured that officers who adhered to their oath of allegiance and refused bribes would be adequately rewarded, as provided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
The Customs Comptroller-General commended the professional commitment of the Customs Area Comptroller of Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede, and his team for their meticulous approach in the operation.
Representing the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Major General A. G. Lala praised the Nigeria Customs for their achievement, emphasizing the federal government’s efforts to rid the country of illicit weapons fueling insecurity.
Ribadu highlighted the connection between drug trafficking, smuggling of small arms, money laundering, and human trafficking, stressing the need for synergy between security agencies to combat these issues.
“The successful interception of these weapons and drugs is further proof of the agency’s determination to frustrate the activities of arms smugglers and drug traffickers,” Ribadu said. “The proliferation of small arms and light weapons continues to fuel criminal activities, with negative implications on national security and development.”
He assured Nigerians of the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the security situation in the country, essential for meaningful development.
