Nigeria Customs Intercepts Illicit Arms and Drugs in Major Operations at Onne Port

Nigeria Customs Intercepts Illicit Arms and Drugs in Major Operations at Onne Port 

Port Harcourt, July 1, 2024— The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made significant strides in its ongoing efforts to secure the nation's borders and ensure public safety. At a press conference held at the Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, announced two major seizures that highlight the agency's vigilance and effective risk management systems.

During the conference, Adeniyi recounted a recent operation where a 40-foot container originating from Turkey, marked MAEU165396, was flagged for inspection due to several risk factors. The container, tracked across continents with the help of local, national, and international intelligence collaborations, was subjected to a thorough physical examination on June 21, 2024. The inspection revealed a staggering cache of illicit arms and ammunition, including:

- 764 units of Tomahawk Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles

- 10 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Rifles

- 50 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Double Barrel Rifles

- 20 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Single Barrel Rifles

- 112,500 pieces of Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition

The illicit cargo, concealed among doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags, has a duty-paid value of ₦4,171,710,000. Three suspects have been detained in connection with this seizure, and a thorough investigation is underway to bring all involved parties to justice.

In another operation on June 29, 2024, Customs officers intercepted eight additional 40-foot containers en route to a bonded warehouse from Onne Port. The containers, identified by numbers including TCKU6879285 and CMAU5985012, contained:

- 1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine (100ml)

- 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol Tablets (5mg)

- 720 bales of used clothes

These goods have a combined duty-paid value of ₦13,915,710,000. The illegal contents were declared to evade duty payments and prohibition orders. In response, the NCS has seized the containers and suspended the licenses and permits of the warehouses, terminals, and customs agents involved pending further investigation.

Adeniyi emphasized the NCS's commitment to upholding national security and economic integrity. "The rifles and ammunition will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution. The suspects will also be processed by the Centre," he stated.

Commending the dedication of Customs Area Comptroller Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede, and his team, Adeniyi also acknowledged the crucial role of local and international partners in these successful operations. He issued a stern warning to others considering similar illegal activities: "We will run you out of business. The Nigeria Customs Service will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of our beloved nation."

The NCS's latest actions reinforce its unwavering stance against smuggling and other illicit activities, showcasing the effectiveness of its intelligence and operational strategies in protecting Nigeria's borders.