Security alert !!! Customs at Onne Command intercepts 844 rifles, 112,500 live ammunition from Turkey

Security alert !!!
Customs at Onne Command intercepts 844 rifles, 112,500 live ammunition from Turkey
…Arrests 3 suspects
…Says arms, seizures worth N13.9bn

The Nigeria Customs Service, Onne Area 11 Command, Port Harcourt, has raised a red flag as its operatives intercepted 844 rifles, 112,500 live ammunition from Turkey.

The Customs operatives who acted swiftly arrested three suspects in connection with the prohibited items.

Addressing Journalists during a press conference in Port Harcourt, the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, informed; “The 1X40 foot container MAEU165396, originated from Turkey, and based on a number of risk factors, became a subject of interest. We had followed its sail across the Continents, as we benefitted immensely from credible information produced through our collaboration with the intelligence communities, both at the local, national and international levels.

“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, June 21, 2024, the suspicious container was subjected to thorough physical examination. The examination result revealed the following alarming contents: 844 units of rifles,
112,500 live ammunition.”

Giving more details, the CGC went on;
“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
Exclusive Series, Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition 34g – 25 Plastic Shotgun Shells (70MM)”.

The Customs Boss revealed ; “The rifles and ammunition were concealed using various items; such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags. The duty-paid value of the container is N4,171,710,000.00, approximately N4.2billion. In connection with this, we have three suspects in our custody after securing a detention warrant from a competent court of justice.

“Furthermore, a thorough investigation is on-going to ensure all those involved face the full wrath of the law”.

The CGC continued;  “In another development, our officers, through collaboration and intelligence sharing, on Saturday, June 29 2024, intercepted yet another 8×40-foot container on transit to a bonded warehouse from Onne Port. The container numbers are TCKU6879285, CMAU5985012, CMAU7515384, CMAU4297020, SEKU5488437, BMOU4363156, MRKU4616024, and MRSU3068928.

“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 is N9.6billion Two containers laden with: 720 bales of used clothes With Duty-paid value: N144,000,000.00 The total duty-paid value of the nine displayed containers is N13.9billion.

” In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the following decisions have been taken with respect to these containers:
The 40-footer container of evil, bearing 844 units of assorted Rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition are hereby seized, alongside the other contents previously highlighted.
The 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 diligent investigation, and ultimately rigorous prosecution”.

According to him:  “The suspects arrested would be handed over to the Centre for further investigation. We will work diligently with other Agencies of Government to apprehend all other cohorts and Death Merchants involved in this monkey business.

“The Eight Containers which contents were wrongly declared to evade duty payment and Prohibition Order are hereby declared seized. The Licences and Permits issued for the operation of all the Warehouses and Terminals, as well as those of their Customs Agents involved in these cases are hereby suspended, pending the determination of their involvement.

“Customs officers, who are found complicit in the perpetration of these nefarious act, would be heavily sanctioned in a manner that would be approved by the Board of the Nigeria Customs Service.

“Officers who kept faith with the Oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and refused to be bribed into releasing these containers will be adequately rewarded in a manner provided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.”

The CGC enthused; “Let me warmly commend the professional commitment of the Customs Area Controller, Onne Port, Compt Mohammed Babandede and through him his Officers and Men, for the meticulous approach deployed to this operation. I also acknowledge our various partners, local and international who provided us with the much needed information to successfully carry out this operation.”

He emphasised; “This seizure serves as a strong warning to others who may be contemplating similar misadventures, my message to them is simple; we will run you out of business. The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of our beloved nation.”