Nigeria Customs Service officials intercepted a shipment containing arms, ammunition, and drugs worth N13.9 billion. The discovery was made at the Onne Port in Rivers State.
Comptroller General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi, reported that customs officers identified a suspicious container and subjected it to a thorough examination. This examination revealed 844 units of rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition concealed among items such as doors, furniture, and leather bags.
Adeniyi further explained that three suspects are in custody and will face legal charges. He also revealed the interception of another container containing cough syrup with codeine, tramadol tablets, and used clothing. The total duty-paid value of all seized items reached N13.9 billion.
The customs service plans to hand over the seized items and arrested suspects to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for investigation and prosecution. Adeniyi additionally announced the suspension of licenses for the warehouses, bonded terminals, and customs agents involved in handling the containers.
Customs officials who were found to be negligent in their duties will face sanctions, while those who upheld their oath will be rewarded.
