Again : Customs at MMAC intercepts 55 rifles from Turkey

Again : Customs at MMAC intercepts 55 rifles from Turkey
… CGC Adeniyi unveils rifles under heavy security presence
…Says Nigerians in Turkey exporting arms, ammunition for nefarious activities

There was heavy security presence at Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, between 5pm – 6pm today, as the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, unveiled yet another deadly cargo containing 55 unassembled rifles coming into Nigeria from Turkey.

Customs Police and Military personnel were seen from the main entrance leading to the Customs Command, up to the government warehouse where the deadly cargoe was displayed.

Most worrisome is the fact that these items were unveiled just two days after CGC Adeniyi showcased massive seizures of 844 rifles, 112,500 rounds of live ammunition intercepted by Customs at Onne Port, in Port Harcourt.

Addressing Journalists during a press conference at government warehouse of MMAC Command where the items were displayed; the CGC said : “We are here to showcase another significant success of our resolve to secure our national frontiers and to foster national security.

“You may recall that TinCan Island Port 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 seizures of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition.

“In a related development, we are here again to inform the public that the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, acting on credible intelligence from our local and international collaborators, on June 29, 2024, deployed its personnel to man all the exit points effectively and mandated all examination officers to conduct 100% 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 N270, 888, 109.29, approximately N270.9million.”

Speaking further, the CGC disclosed ; ‘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. Still, I can assure Nigerians that all our Commands are on red alert to intercept such illicit arms importation”.

The Customs Boss also showcased some Military and Paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates, with Duty Paid Value of N1,298,019,276.91, approximately N1.3billion

The breakdown of these items includes Drones, Ballistic Vest, Ballistic Plate, Ballistic Helmet , Walkie Talkie, Camouflage Uniform, Camouflage Caps, among others.

The total Duty Paid Value of all the displayed items amounted to N1,568,907,386.48, approximately N1.6billion”.

His words : “Relying on relevant provisions of 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 are hereby seized, with the concealing items. 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 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 involved in 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.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt commendation to the Customs Area Controller of MMAC and his dedicated officers and men for these interceptions. Their unwavering professionalism and commitment are truly commendable. I also wish to express our deep gratitude to our various partners, both local and international, who provided invaluable intelligence that was crucial for this interception”.

He stressed; “this seizure sends an unequivocal warning to anyone considering similar illicit importation. The Service is relentless in its pursuit of securing our national frontiers and fostering national security. Under my leadership, the Service will not condone any act that threatens the nation’s national security and economic prosperity.”