Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a massive seizure of arms and ammunition at the Port Harcourt Area II Command in Onne. The announcement was made by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a press conference held in Onne, Rivers State.
Acting on credible intelligence on June 21, 2024, Customs officers inspected a suspicious 1×40-foot container originating from Turkey. The container was found to contain 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition, concealed among doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags. The total duty-paid value of the intercepted items is estimated at ₦4,171,710,000.00.
“This interception underscores our commitment to national security and public safety. We remain vigilant and committed to our duty. Three suspects have been detained in connection with the seizure and a thorough investigation is underway to ensure all involved face legal consequences”, said Adeniyi.
In another operation on June 29, 2024, Customs officers intercepted eight 40-foot containers destined for a bonded warehouse from Onne Port. These containers contained 1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine, 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol, and 720 bales of used clothes, with a combined duty-paid value of ₦13,915,710,000.00.
“These seizures result from our robust Risk Management System and collaboration with intelligence communities both locally and internationally. The container bearing the arms and ammunition will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution. Licenses and permits of warehouses and terminals involved have been suspended, and officers found complicit will face severe sanctions,” Adeniyi stated.
Comptroller General Adeniyi commended the Customs Area Comptroller Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede, and his team for their professionalism and acknowledged the crucial support from local and international partners, as well as other government agencies.
“This seizure serves as a strong warning to others contemplating similar misadventures. We will run you out of business; the NCS continues to demonstrate its dedication to protecting Nigeria’s borders and ensuring the security of its citizens,” Adeniyi concluded.