Again, Customs seizes N1.5bn firearms, military equipment at Lagos Airport

…. arrests suspect

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a cache of arms and ammunition imported into the country from Turkey at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

Also intercepted were military and paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.29billion.

This is coming barely two days after the NCS impounded 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition also imported from Turkey at the Onne port, Rivers State.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Murtala Muhammed Area command in Lagos on Wednesday, Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi said the consignment of the illegal arms contained 55 pieces of unassembled Jojef magnum (TOMAHAWK) semi-automatic shotguns valued at N270. 8million.

According to Adeniyi, the arms concealed with shower faucets were discovered at the cargo section of the MMA on June 19, 2024, following a 100 percent examination of the consignment.

He said, “The Murtala Muhammed Area Command, acting on credible intelligence from our local and international collaborators, on 19 June 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 shotguns.

“The unassembled rifles were concealed using shower faucet. The Duty Paid Value of these illicit arms is N270. 8million.”

Adeniyi said a suspect has been arrested in connection with the illicit arms importation and is assisting with an ongoing investigation to uncover the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

He revealed that analysis of recent seizures, including the latest haul of 55 semi-automatic shotguns, indicates that some unscrupulous Nigerians based in Turkey are purchasing, packaging, and exporting illicit arms to Nigeria.

According to the Customs boss, intelligence further revealed that they are exploring new frontiers to perpetrate their nefarious activities.

He, however, assure Nigerians that the Service has placed all its Commands on red alert to intercept any such illicit arms importation.

Giving a breakdown of the military and paramilitary accoutrements, Adeniyi said they include, 148 pieces of drones, 172 pieces of ballistic vest, 15 pieces of ballistic plate and 1 piece of ballistic helmet.

Others are 8 walkie talkie, 9, 172 pieces of military and paramilitary badges, 20 pieces of camouflage uniform, 100 pieces of camouflage vest, 172 pieces of camouflage cap and 120 pieces of binoculars.

“The total duty-paid value of all the displayed items is N1,568billion, “Adeniyi said.

Handing over the seized arms to the
Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the office of the National Security Adviser, the Customs CG said the Service will work with other agencies to apprehend all parties involved in the illicit importation.

He added that the suspect arrested will be handed over to the centre for further processing and prosecution.

Adeniyi commended the officers involved in the seizure and warned that the NCS under his watch will not tolerate any acts that threatens the nation’s security and economic prosperity.