Photo Caption : Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi unveiling the seized arms and ammunition
By Omolara Akintoye
The Nigerian Customs Service (NSC) has intercepted a 1X40ft Container filled with various arms, ammunition and illicit drugs worth N13.9bn at Onne Port, Rivers State on Monday.
CGC Adewale Adeniyi speaking
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi presented the confiscated weapons to the media in Onne, Rivers State.
According to Adeniyi, the 40ft Container MAEU165396 with the confiscated items originated from Turkey.
Adeniyi said that the arms, ammunition and drugs were concealed within shipments of used clothing. “Several individuals have been arrested and are currently in detention awaiting persecution” he said.
“Working within our local structures, we followed diligently as the Importer attempted to circumvent our procedure through the outlet of a Private Bonded Terminal.
“Consequently, on Friday, 21 June 2024, the suspicious container was subjected to thorough physical examination. The examination result revealed the following alarming contents:
Eight Hundred and Forty-Four (844) units of rifles
One Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Five Hundred (112,500) pieces of live ammunition
The breakdown is as follows:
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;
20 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Single Barrel Rifles and
Exclusive Series, Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition 34g – 25 Plastic Shotgun Shells (70MM)
The rifles and ammunition were concealed using various items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags.
According to Adeniyi, the duty-paid value of the container is Four Billion, One Hundred and Seventy-One Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦4,171,710,000.00).
Three suspects are presently in their custody after securing a detention warrant from a competent court of justice.
In another development, on Saturday, 29 June 2024, Adeniyi stated that customs also intercepted yet another 8×40-foot container on transit to a bonded warehouse from Onne Port.
Upon examination, they were found to contain the following:
Six containers laden with:
1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine (100ml)
3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol Tablets (5mg)
Duty-paid value: Nine Billion, Six Hundred Million Naira (₦9,600,000,000.00)
Two containers are laden with: 720 bales of used clothes With Duty-paid value: ₦144,000,000.00.
The total duty-paid value of the nine displayed containers, Adeniyi revealed is Thirteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Fifteen Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦13,915,710,000.00).
The items, CGC Adeniyi pointed out 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 diligent investigation, and ultimately rigorous prosecution.
The interception of illegal arms, ammunition and illicit drugs according to the Zonal Coordinator, Zone C, ACG Charles Orbhi isn’t just matter of law enforcement but a very critical steps in safeguarding lives and properties, also promoting peace and the rule of law.
“Today’s demonstration stands as a testament to our dedication and commitment to the goals share as a people in this country” said Orbhi.
