Again,Nigeria Customs Seizes Illicit Arms and Military Accoutrements in Lagos

Again,Nigeria Customs Seizes Illicit Arms and Military Accoutrements in Lagos

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Comptroller General of Customs ,Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR,has once again ,made a remarkable progress in the fight against arms smuggling and proliferation,as the Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed Area Command, Ikeja, Lagos,  today  announced a significant breakthrough in securing the nation’s frontiers and combating illicit arms trafficking.
Briefing news men today at the Murtala Mohammed  Area Command ,Ikeja,on the seizures ,Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,stated that the command ,acting on credible intelligence from local and international collaborators, conducted a thorough examination of a console consignment arriving from Turkey.
The examination revealed that 55 pieces of unassembled JOJEF Magnum (Tomahawk) semi-automatic shotguns were concealed within the shipment. The unassembled rifles were ingeniously hidden using shower faucets. The duty paid value of these illicit arms is estimated at N270,888,109.29.

Analysis of recent seizures indicates that unscrupulous Nigerians based in Turkey are purchasing, packaging, and exporting these illegal arms to Nigeria. Intelligence further suggests that they are exploring new methods to perpetrate their nefarious activities.
The Nigeria Customs Service remains on high alert to intercept any such illicit arms importation.
In addition to the arms seizure, the Comptroller General of Customs , displayed military and paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates. The items include drones, ballistic vests, plates, helmets, walkie-talkies, badges, camouflage uniforms, vests, caps, and binoculars. The total duty paid value of these items amounts to N1,298,019,276.9.
Adeniyi informed that the Service relying on the relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023,have made the following  decision t
The 55 unassembled JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic shotguns, along with the concealing items, have been seized.
These items will be handed over to the Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for diligent investigation and prosecution.

The suspect arrested in connection with this illicit arms importation will also be processed for further legal action.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding national security and preventing the proliferation of illegal arms within the country.

CGC Adewale Adeniyi ( middle) displaying one of the seized item
“Lastly, 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”CGC Adeniyi warned.