For the umpteenth time in less than a week, the Nigeria Customs Service recovered 55 pieces of unassembled Jojef Magnum (Tomahawk) semi-automatic shotguns, imported from Turkey and other different military and paramilitary accoutrements illegally imported into the country. This latest arms seizure was carried out by the Murtala Muhammed Area Command of the Customs.
Recall that on Monday, the Nigeria Customs paraded 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition worth N13.9bn seized at Onne Port in Rivers State.
According to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, this latest arms seizures in Ikeja had a duty-paid value of N271m, while the total value of the various contrabands stood at N1.568bn. the Customs chief added that a suspect was arrested in connection with the illicit arms importation and is assisting with investigation to uncover those behind the illegal importation. He gave the airway bill number as 235-58737755.
He said: “Analysis of this and similar recent seizures indicates that some unscrupulous Nigerians based in Turkey are purchasing, packaging, and exporting these illicit arms to Nigeria. Intelligence further revealed that they are exploring new frontiers to perpetrate their nefarious activities,”
“Among other contrabands seized include, a drone 148 pieces, a ballistic vest 172 pieces, a ballistic plate 15 pieces, a ballistic helmet one piece, walkie talkie 8 pieces, military & paramilitary badges 9,172 pieces, camouflage uniforms 20 pieces, camouflage vests 100 pieces, camouflage caps 172 pieces, and binoculars 120 pieces,” he added.
He spoke further: “The items would be handed over to the Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the office of the National Security Adviser, for diligent investigation and prosecution,” the Customs boss disclosed
