Customs Boss attributes rising insecurity to proliferation of illegal arms, illicit trade

Customs Boss attributes rising insecurity to proliferation of illegal arms, illicit trade

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has attributed the rising insecurity across Nigeria and different parts of the world to illicit trade and proliferation of illegal arms.

This assertion formed part of the monthly newsletter of NCS, released by the Customs Image Maker, CSC ABDULLAHI MAIWADA, on maritime media platform.

According to the document : “Proliferation of illegal arms has stimulated dreadful consequences for global security, contributing to violence, crime, terrorism
and even civil war.

Stating further, the document explained : “While many countries have substantially increased their defence budgets to combat terrorism, the demand for arms has concurrently spiked in the black market.

“Arms dealers capitalised on the growing insecurity and conflict in various regions, supplying weapons to individuals trying to protect themselves, insurgent groups, militias,
and criminal organisations.

“This consistent surge in demand and supply has created a cycle of violence and instability, especially in fragile States.”

In the document, the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, highlighted the negative consequences of arms smuggling in Africa and Nigeria as a country.

He said: “Africa has become a significant hotspot for illicit arms trade. Countries in the Sub-Sahara region and Central Africa are particularly affected, with weapons flowing into these areas from both internal and external sources. The consequences of illicit arms trade in Africa are devastating.

“Prolonged conflicts in countries like Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic are worsened by steady influx of arms. These weapons fuel violence, human rights abuses and instability.”

Stating instances of arms seizures in Onne Customs Command and most recently Murtala Muhammed Airport formation, the CGC pointed out :  “No nation, region, or sub-region is immune to the dangers posed by illicit trade in arms. The wide circulations of these weapons is often the catalyst that transforms localised incidents into global events.”