Emmanuel Ochayi
Nigeria Customs Intercepts Containers With Arms, Ammunition and Illicit Drugs
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced a significant interception of nine containers carrying offensive items, including arms, ammunition, illicit drugs, and second-hand clothes, valued at N13.9 billion.
The Comptroller-General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, revealed this during a press briefing at Onne Port in Rivers State on Monday.
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One container, in particular, originating from Turkey, drew heightened scrutiny due to multiple risk factors associated with its importation.
“We followed its sail across continents and benefited immensely from credible information through our collaboration with intelligence communities both at local, national, and international levels,” Adeniyi stated.
Adeniyi elaborated on the contents of the container, noting, “On Friday, June 21, 2024, the container was subjected to a thorough physical examination. Inside, we discovered 844 units of assorted rifles and 12,500 pieces of live ammunition, concealed with various items like doors, furniture fittings, and leather bags.”
Circumventing Procedures
The Nigeria customs uncovered that the importer attempted to bypass standard procedures by using a private-bonded terminal.
The duty-paid value of this container alone was estimated at N4.2 billion. Adeniyi also confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the seizures, following the acquisition of a detention warrant from a competent court.
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Additional Seizures By Nigeria Customs
Adeniyi reported that on Saturday, NCS officers intercepted eight more 40-foot containers transiting from a bonded terminal.
“Six of these containers were loaded with 1.5 million bottles of codeine cough syrup in 100ml sizes and 3.5 million tablets of tramadol,” he detailed.
The duty-paid value for these containers is N9.6 billion, bringing the total duty-paid value of the nine containers to N13.9 billion.
Codeine and Tramadol Crisis
The massive haul of codeine and tramadol highlights ongoing concerns about the abuse of these substances.
“The interception of such a large quantity of codeine and tramadol is a step in curbing the menace of drug abuse in the country,” Adeniyi emphasised.
Fuel Smuggling Foiled
In another operation, the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 of the NCS reported the interception of 1,410 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS) worth N30.4 million within one week.
The team’s Coordinator, Mohammad Shuaibu, disclosed this during a press conference at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos State, on Friday, June 28, 2024.
Strategic Collaborations and Future Plans
Adeniyi highlighted the importance of strategic collaborations in achieving these successful operations. “Our partnerships with local, national, and international intelligence communities have been crucial in these interceptions,” he said.
He also reiterated the NCS’s commitment to continuing these efforts, aiming to prevent the smuggling of dangerous and illegal items into the country.
Public Safety and National Security
The interception of these containers is not only a win for the NCS but also a significant step towards ensuring public safety and national security.
“Preventing these items from reaching the streets is paramount to maintaining order and safety in our communities,” Adeniyi concluded.
This major seizure by the Nigeria Customs Service underscores their ongoing efforts to combat illegal smuggling activities and enhance national security through diligent surveillance and strategic partnerships.
