Less than 48 hours after a significant arms seizure at Onne Port, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted another shipment of illegal firearms at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos.
55 Unassembled Shotguns and Military Equipment Discovered
The latest bust involved 55 unassembled Jojef Magnum semi-automatic shotguns and a cache of ammunition, all originating from Turkey. The estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the shipment is N270 million.
Customs officials uncovered the illicit items hidden within a shipment disguised as shower faucets in the cargo section of MMA. Acting on intelligence, a thorough examination revealed the cleverly concealed weapons.
One Suspect Arrested, Investigation Ongoing
One suspect has been apprehended in connection with the smuggling attempt and is currently assisting with the ongoing investigation. This seizure highlights the proactive measures taken by NCS to combat illegal arms trafficking in Nigeria.
Customs Identifies Source in Turkey, New Concealment Methods Employed
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the recent success in uncovering arms seizures across the country. He revealed that collaborators in Turkey are suspected of sourcing and exporting these weapons, employing increasingly sophisticated methods to evade detection.
Additional Military Equipment Seized at MMA
In addition to the firearms, the Customs Command at MMA also seized military and paramilitary equipment valued at N1.29 billion. This included drones, ballistic vests, helmets, walkie-talkies, and various military insignia. These items were imported without the necessary end-user certificates, raising concerns about their legality.
Seized Items Transferred for Investigation and Prosecution
The Customs boss confirmed that all seized items, including the firearms and military equipment, will be transferred to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and potential prosecution.
Nigeria Customs Committed to Border Security
The NCS reiterates its unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and preventing threats to national security and economic stability. This recent seizure serves as a testament to their dedication to safeguarding the nation.
