The Nigeria Customs Service has warned that importation of illicit firearms poses a serious threat to national security, especially as the country battles terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, gave the warning at the Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos during a handover event of 399 JOJEF pump-action rifles and other firearm components to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Comptroller-General Adeniyi explained that two suspects, Robert Eze and Ejiogu Godson, were arrested while attempting to clear the consignment at Tin-Can Island Port.
Adeniyi said the operation showed why technology and intelligence have become increasingly important in securing Nigeria’s ports.
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Technology-Driven Operation
According to the Comptroller-General, the container arrived on July 8 aboard the vessel MV VELIKA and was flagged by the Service’s automated risk management system under the Trade Modernisation Project.
“It was not opened because somebody had a suspicion. It was opened because our risk management system flagged it. Inside were firearm components, taken apart and hidden in knocked-down form,” Adeniyi said.
He noted that the deployment of B’Odogwu, cargo tracking and non-intrusive inspection is helping officers to identify high-risk containers without manual searching.
The Comptroller-General of Customs explained that the interception was not the end of the operation, as investigators had moved beyond the discovery of the weapons to identifying people allegedly connected with the shipment.
Suspects in Custody, Arms Handed Over
Adeniyi said one suspect was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while trying to procure the release of the container. Both suspects have been remanded by the Federal High Court in Lagos, with arraignment scheduled for August 25.
The seized weapons were handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons under the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Adeniyi commended the officers of Tin-Can Island Port for their commitment and professionalism.
The Customs boss also sent a strong warning to officers who might be tempted to assist arms traffickers.
Recovered Firearms Since Inception
The Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Johnson Kokumo, said the Centre has retrieved over 21,000 small arms and light weapons from Customs and other agencies since its inception, with more than 19,000 already destroyed.
He commended the Customs leadership for its professionalism and continuous collaboration in combating the proliferation of illicit arms.
The Nigeria Customs Service, therefore, reaffirmed that the Service would not allow Nigeria’s ports and borders to be used to bring in arms that threaten the safety of citizens, especially with the approach of the electioneering season.
