Again, Customs Impounds 55 Unassembled Guns, Improperly Imported Military Accoutrements At Lagos Airport
Again, Customs Impounds 55 Unassembled Guns, Improperly Imported Military Accoutrements At Lagos Airport
By Jerry Aguigbo
In a concerted effort to rid the nation of Improperly Imported dangerous weapons,
the Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed Area Command, acting on credible intelligence from both local and international collaborators, on 19 June 2024, impounded a consignment, according the Customs Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi while showing the seizures revealed that the items were discovered upon
100% examination 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).
The Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi informed that a suspect is currently in Customs custody in connection with this illicit arms importation and is assisting with an ongoing investigation to uncover the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
According to the CGC,
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. He assure Nigerians that all Customs Commands are on red alert to intercept any such illicit arms importation.
Also, on display are some Military and Paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of One Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Nineteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira and Ninety-One Kobo (N1,298,019,276.91) only.
The breakdown of these items is as follows:
Drones 148pcs
Ballistic Vest 172pcs
Ballistic Plate 15pcs
Ballistic Helmet 1pc
Walkie Talkie 8pcs
Military &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 Kobo (N1,568,907,386.48) only.
Relying on the relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the following decisions have been taken on the illicit items.
The 55 pieces of unassembled JOJEF MAGNUM SEMI AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN which were seized, with the concealing items.
The items, according to the CGC 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 prosecution.
The Suspect arrested will be handed over to the centre for further processing;
“we will work diligently with other Agencies of Government to apprehend all other parties to this illicit importation.
All other controlled items imported without the requisite end-user certificates are hereby seized.
Officers whose diligence, integrity and dedication to duty resulted in this remarkable seizure would be adequately rewarded in a manner provided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023,” Adeniyi said.
He 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.”
Recall that the Nigeria Customs Service TCIP Command recently impounded 11 rifles and 6 pistols, among other items. Most recent is the seizure of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition in Onne.
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