Nigeria Customs Seizes 55 Unassembled Shotguns, Military Equipment Worth Over N1.5 Billion

Nigeria Customs Seizes 55 Unassembled Shotguns, Military Equipment Worth Over N1.5 Billion

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of 55 unassembled semi-automatic shotguns and a large cache of military and paramilitary equipment worth over N1.5 billion.

Addressing a press briefing at the Murtala Muhammed Area Command in Lagos, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stated that the seizures were made following credible intelligence from local and international collaborators.

Adeniyi revealed that on June 19, 2024, the Murtala Muhammed Area Command deployed its personnel to conduct 100% examination of all consignments, leading to the discovery of the illicit arms concealed in a console consignment from Turkey.

“During the examination, an item was discovered and suspected to be part of a rifle from a console consignment with airway bill number 235-58737755, emanating from Turkey. Consequently, the entire consignment was isolated for thorough examination. At the end of the examination, it was established that 4 packages were used to conceal 55 PIECES OF UNASSEMBLED JOJEF MAGNUM (TOMAHAWK) SEMI AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN,” Adeniyi said.

The Comptroller General added that the unassembled rifles were concealed using shower faucets, and the Duty Paid Value of the illicit arms is N270,888,109.29.

Additionally, the Nigeria Customs Service displayed a wide range of military and paramilitary accoutrements, including drones, ballistic vests, helmets, walkie-talkies, uniforms, and other items, which were improperly imported without the required end-user certificates. The Duty Paid Value of these items is N1,298,019,276.91.

Adeniyi stated that the seized items will be handed over to the Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the office of the National Security Adviser, for further investigation and prosecution. He also commended the officers of the Murtala Muhammed Area Command for their vigilance and professionalism in carrying out these important seizures.

The Comptroller General warned that the Nigeria Customs Service will not condone any act that threatens the nation’s national security and economic prosperity, and assured Nigerians that all Customs Commands are on high alert to intercept such illicit importations.

By PRNigeria