Customs operatives in Rivers seize 800 rifles, ammunition, drugs worth billions (Pictures)

July 2, 2024

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Customs operatives in Rivers seize 800 rifles, ammunition, drugs worth billions (Pictures)

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a substantial cache of firearms and ammunition at the Port Harcourt Area II Command in Onne, Rivers State. This significant seizure was announced by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a press briefing on July 1, 2024.

Acting on credible intelligence received on June 21, 2024, Customs officials inspected a suspicious 1×40-foot container arriving from Turkey. Inside, concealed among doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags, they discovered 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition. The total duty-paid value of these items was assessed at ₦4,171,710,000.00.

“This interception underscores our unwavering commitment to national security and public safety. We remain vigilant and dedicated to our responsibilities,” stated CGC Adeniyi during the press conference. Three suspects linked to the seizure have been apprehended, and investigations are ongoing to ensure all involved are brought to justice.

In a separate operation on June 29, 2024, Customs officers intercepted eight 40-foot containers destined for a bonded warehouse from Onne Port. These containers held 1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine, 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol, and 720 bales of used clothing, with a total duty-paid value of ₦13,915,710,000.00.

“These seizures are a testament to our robust Risk Management System and collaborative efforts with intelligence communities, both locally and internationally,” added Adeniyi. The container carrying the firearms and ammunition will be transferred to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and legal proceedings. Licenses and permits of implicated warehouses and terminals have been suspended, and officials found complicit will face severe penalties.

CGC Adeniyi commended the professionalism of Customs Area Comptroller Mohammed Babandede and his team at Onne Port. He also acknowledged the critical support received from local and international partners, as well as other government agencies.

“This seizure sends a clear message to those involved in illicit activities. We will dismantle your operations; the NCS remains steadfast in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and protecting its citizens,” concluded Adeniyi.

See pictures below: