By Bon Peters
ONNE/Nigeria: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area II Command in Onne, Rivers State, has seized a 40-foot container from Turkey laden with arms, ammunition, and contraband drugs valued at over ₦13 billion. This significant interception was announced by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, during a press briefing on Monday.
Comptroller General Adeniyi detailed that the container, numbered MAEU165396, was flagged due to several risk factors and was monitored throughout its journey across continents. “The container became a subject of interest based on a number of risk factors,” Adeniyi said. “Customs followed its sail across continents and benefited immensely from credible information produced through our collaboration with intelligence communities at local, national, and international levels.”
Upon its arrival, the container was diverted to a private bonded terminal in an attempt to bypass Customs procedures. However, on June 21, 2024, a thorough physical examination revealed a cache of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition concealed among doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags, with a total duty-paid value of ₦4.17 billion.
“This interception underscores our commitment to national security and public safety,” Adeniyi emphasized, noting that three suspects had been detained and a comprehensive investigation was underway to ensure all parties involved face legal consequences.
Further highlighting the Command’s vigilant operations, Adeniyi disclosed another seizure on June 29, 2024, of eight 40-foot containers destined for a bonded warehouse. These containers contained 1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine, 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol, and 720 bales of used clothes, with a duty-paid value of ₦13.92 billion.
“These seizures were achieved through Customs’ robust Risk Management System and collaboration with intelligence communities both locally and internationally,” Adeniyi said. The arms and ammunition will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution.
He also announced the suspension of licenses and permits of implicated warehouses and terminals, stating that complicit officers would face severe sanctions.
Comptroller General Adeniyi commended the Customs Area Comptroller Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede, and his team for their professionalism and dedication. He also acknowledged the critical support from local and international partners and other government agencies. “We will run you out of business,” he warned potential smugglers, reaffirming Customs’ unwavering resolve to combat smuggling.
The press briefing was attended by representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, NAFDAC, NDLEA, Nigerian Ports Authority, Onne Ports Complex, shipping companies, terminal operators, ANLCA, NAGAFF, Customs Bonded Terminals, Nigerian Army, Navy, Airforce, and the police.
