Customs authorities in Nigeria have impounded yet another cache of arms and military gears at the Murtala Muhammed Airport barely 48 hrs after the Customs Boss showcased a similar seizure of 844 riffles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition in Port Harcourt.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi displayed the seized arms at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
The Press Briefing
“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 a Shower Faucet.
“The Duty Paid Value of these illicit arms is 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.
“Military and Paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,298,019,276.91.
“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.
“Still, I can assure Nigerians that all our Commands are on red alert to intercept any such illicit arms importation.
The items include; 148pcs Drones, 172pcs Ballistic Vests, 15pcs Ballistic Plate, 1pc Ballistic Helmet, 8pcs Walkie Talkie, 9,172pcs Military & Paramilitary Badges, 20pcs Camouflage Uniform, 100pcs Camouflage Vest, 172pcs Camouflage Cap, 120pcs Binoculars—all items with a total Duty Paid Value of N1,568,907,386.48.
The officials later handed the confiscated arms to the Zonal Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the office of the National Security Adviser, for more investigation and proper prosecution.
