Customs Seizes Another 470 Sophisticated Guns At Lagos Port

BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Colonel Hammed Ali (rtd), has said that the latest seizure of another 470 riffles brings the total number of seized riffles within the last eight months of this year to of 2,671.

Col Ali therefore said that the Service is presently at critical alert to do all within its powers to secure the country from the activities of criminals.

He said that the critical alert became necessary as the nation’s seaports have become increasingly impenetrable which would force illegal arms importers to want to try other entry points.

Ali, who stated these following the success recorded by the Nigeria Customs Service with an increase in the number of arms seizures in recent times especially those coming from the same source with previous seizures.

The Customs Comptroller General said the discovery was as a result of the directive by the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port for a detailed profile of all imports, adding that the profile of containers from Turkey eventually narrowed down to one 20ft container with number CMAU189817/8.

Col Ali further said; “The Terminal Operator was consequently directed to quarantine the flagged container for stricter analysis. It was later transferred to the enforcement unit, where 100% examination revealed 470 pump action rifles as against elbow plumbing plastics on its bill of lading.

“The Importer of this deadly cargo is Great James Oil and Gas Ltd, while the vessel is MV Arkas Africa owned by Hull Blyth.

“While the audacity of these criminals to think that they can succeed in smuggling these dangerous weapons into the country successfully remain worrisome, the consolation is that, the new Nigeria Customs Service is now more responsive and capable of meeting the challenges posed by these criminals.”
Col Ali appealed to Nigerians to rise up and remain vigilant to deal decisively with the enemies of the Nation, adding that the policy of reward for good deeds and punishment for those who compromise will continue in the Service under his leadership.

The Customs boss said that since the container belong to the same importer of the 1,100 rifles, the ongoing investigation will be reinvigorated to fish out all those directly or remotely connected with these dangerous importers.

He urged well-meaning Nigerians to support the Customs Service by providing information that will help us perform even better.