By Akinsuroju Olubunmi,
Customs seize arms worth N4billion.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container from Turkey loaded with 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition. This major bust also led to the arrest of three suspects who are currently in custody. The NCS is conducting a thorough investigation to ensure all involved are brought to justice.
The container underwent a physical examination on June 21, 2024, revealing its dangerous cargo. Speaking to journalists at Onne Port, Rivers State on Monday, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, detailed the haul, which includes 764 Tomahawk Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles, 10 VC Verney Caron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Rifles, 50 VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Double Barrel Rifles, 20 VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Single Barrel Rifles, along with Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition.
The duty-paid value of this container is estimated at N4,171,710,000. Additionally, eight other containers falsely declared to contain used clothes and cough syrup with codeine were seized, with a combined duty-paid value of N13,915,710,000.
Comptroller General Adeniyi commended the officers involved in the operation and issued a stern warning to others considering similar illegal activities. He emphasized that the NCS would not tolerate any actions that threaten the nation’s economy and security.
container, rifles.
Customs seize arms worth N4billion