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Customs Seize Para-Military Accoutrements, Arms, and Ammunition Worth 1.5b At MMA
Nigerian customs service Murtala Muhammed Area Command Lagos have intercepted
No fewer that 55 pieces of unassembled semi-automatic short guns and rifles, as well as some military and para-military accoutrements worth more than N1, 568,907,386.48 improperly imported without end users’ certificates.
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, disclosed this to newsmen this week in Lagos while handing over the seized military wares to respective agencies of the government.
Speaking to stakeholders, the press, and others present at the Murtala Muhammed Area command, Said, acting on credible intelligence from local and international collaborators, on June 19, 2024, deployed its personnel to man all the exit points effectively and mandated all examination officers to conduct a 100 percent examination of all consignments.
During the 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.
The unassembled rifles were concealed using SHOWER FAUCET. The duty-paid value of these illicit arms is Two Hundred and Seventy Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Nine Naira, and Twenty-Nine Kobo (N270, 888, 109.29).
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.
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.
Adeniye assured Nigerians that all the customs Commands are on red alert to intercept any such illicit arms importation.
The breakdown of the seized items is as follows:Drones: 148 pieces of ballistic vest, 172 pieces of ballistic plate, 15 pieces of ballistic helmet, 1 piece of walkie-talkie, and 8 pieces of military and paramilitary badges. 9,172pcs Camouflage Uniform, 20pcs Camouflage Vest, 100pcs Camouflage Cap, 172pcs Binoculars, 120pcs. The total duty paid value of all the displayed items is one billion, five hundred and sixty-eight million, nine hundred and seven thousand, three hundred and eighty-six naira, and 48 koku (N1,568,907,386.48) only.
Speaking further, he said that the Nigeria Customs TCIP Command recently impounded 11 rifles and 6 pistols, among other items. Similarly, just two days ago, a press briefing of this kind was held in Port Harcourt, where we showcased the seizure of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition.
Again, Murtala Muhammed Area Command, acting on credible intelligence from our local and international collaborators, on June 19, 2024, deployed its personnel to man all the exit points effectively and mandated all examination officers to conduct 100% examination of all consignments.
He concluded by saying that he would like to extend his heartfelt commendation to Customs Area Comptroller MMAC, MT AWE, and his dedicated officers and men for these interceptions. Their unwavering professionalism and commitment are truly commendable.
And he also wishes to express his deep gratitude to various partners, both local and international, who provided invaluable intelligence that was crucial for this interception.