NCS Intercepts 55 Unassembled Rifles, Undocumented Military Equipment Worth N1.6Bn at Lagos Airport

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of the bold steps taken to combat smuggling activities within the economy, the Nigeria Customs Service, has again announced the seizures of 55 pieces of unassembled JOJEF Magnum(TOMAHAWK) Semi Automatic Shotgun and Military/Paramilitary Equipments improperly imported without end users’ certificates at Murtala Muhammed Area Command, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR made the announcement at a press briefing held at the Command’s Headquarters on Wednesday, July 3,2024 to showcase another significant success of the Service in its resolve to secure the national frontiers.

The CGC explained that while acting on credible intelligence, 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 Two Hundred and Seventy Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Nine Naira and Twenty-Nine Kobo (N270, 888, 109.29).

“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.

“Also, on display this afternoon 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,” he said.

The breakdown of the seizures is 148pcs of Drones; 172pcs of Ballistic Vest; 15pcs of Ballistic Plate; 1pc of Ballistic Helmet; 8pcs of Talkie Talkie; 9,172pcs of Military &Paramilitary Badges; 20pcs of Camouflage Uniform; 100pcs of Camouflage Vest; 172pcs of Camouflage Cap; 120pcs of Binoculars; and 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.

CGC Adeniyi asserted that with recent seizures, some unscrupulous Nigerians based in Turkey are purchasing, packaging and exporting these illicit arms to Nigeria, adding, intelligence further revealed that they are exploring new frontiers to perpetrate their nefarious activities. However he assured that all Commands are on red alert to intercept any such illicit arms importation.

“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 this nation’s national security and economic prosperity,” he stated

While extending heartfelt commendation to the Command’s Area Controller, MT AWE and his dedicated officers and men for these interceptions, CGC Adewale asserted that their unwavering professionalism and commitment are truly commendable.

He also expressed deep gratitude to various partners, both local and international, who provided invaluable intelligence that was crucial for this interception.