By: Bon Peters
The Nigeria Customs Service Area 11 Command Onne Rivers state says it has intercepted a 1X40 foot container with number MAEU165396, which originated from Turkey and laden with arms and ammunition and contraband drugs worth over N13 billion.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller General of Customs BA Adeniyi MFR while addressing Journalists at Onne, Rivers state, Monday.
Speaking further, Adeniyi said that the container “based on a number of risk factors, became a subject of interest insisting that Customs had followed its sail across the Continents, and had benefited immensely from credible information produced through its collaboration with the intelligence communities, both at the local, national and international levels.
He added “Working within our local structures, we followed diligently as the Importer attempted to circumvent our procedure through the outlet of a Private Bonded Terminal. Consequently, on Friday, 21 June 2024, the suspicious container was subjected to thorough physical examination. The examination result revealed the following alarming Content, Eight Hundred and Forty-Four (844) units of rifles One Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Five Hundred (112,500) pieces of live ammunition.
“These items were concealed among doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags, with a total duty-paid value of ₦4,171,710,000.00.” he said
Adeniyi noted that “This interception underscores our commitment to national security and public safety” Even as he said that Customs would remain vigilant and committed to their duty,he disclosed that Three suspects have been detained in connection with the seizure, stating that a thorough investigation was underway to ensure all involved face legal consequences.
Speaking further, he said “Additionally, 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 the duty-paid value of ₦13,915,710,000.00.”
He reiterated that these seizures were achieved through Customs robust Risk Management System and collaboration with intelligence communities both locally and internationally.
According to him, the container bearing the arms and ammunition would be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution. While insisting that, “Licenses and permits of warehouses and terminals involved have been suspended, and officers found complicit will face severe sanctions.”
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, commended the Customs Area Comptroller Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede, his officers and men for their professionalism, diligence and commitment to duty, promising a reward system for those that have done well, even as he also applauded the crucial role and assistance from local and international partners as well as other government agencies.
The Comptroller General of Customs however, warned that this seizure would serve as a strong warning to others contemplating similar misadventures. Promising to run them out of business “We will run you out of business” He insisted.
Present at the occasion, include representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser. Others were National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, NAFDAC , NDLEA, Nigerian, Ports Authority,NPA Onne Ports Complex, Shipping Companies,Terminal operators,, ANLCA NAGAFF, operators of Customs Bonded Terminals, Nigerian Army, Navy, Nigeria police, Nigerian Airforce among others.
