AGAIN: MMA Customs intercepts 55 semi-automatic short guns, 148 drones, 120 binoculars, others worth ₦2.5bn DPV

The Comptroller of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has disclosed a startling seizure of 55 semi-automatic short guns, 148 drones, 120 binoculars, other contraband with Duty Paid Value (DPV) worth One Billion Five Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million Nine Hundred and Seven Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty-Six Naira and 48 Kobo (₦1,568,907,386.48) only.

CGC Adeniyi in an e-signed statement stated that the achievement was made under the leadership of Customs Area Comptroller Muritala Muhamned Airport Command (MMAC) MT AWE who directed a thorough examination of a suspected consignment with airway bill number 235-58737755.

“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. The unassembled rifles were concealed using SHOWER FAUCET.

The statement stated further that a suspect is currently in custody in connection with the illicit arms importation and is assisting with an ongoing investigation to uncover the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

“Analysis of this and similar recent seizures indicates that some unscrupulous Nigerians based in Turkey are purchasing, packaging and exporting these illicit arms to Nigeria. Intelligence further revealed that they are exploring new frontiers to perpetrate their nefarious activities. Still, I can assure Nigerians that all our Commands are on red alert to intercept any such illicit arms importation.

“Also, on display this afternoon are some Military and Paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of One Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Nineteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira and Ninety-One Kobo (₦1,298,019,276.91) only.

“The breakdown of these items is as follows:

I. Drones 148pcs

II. Ballistic Vest 172pcs

III. Ballistic Plate 15pcs

IV. Ballistic Helmet 1pc

V. Walkie Talkie 8pcs

VI. Military & Paramilitary Badges. 9,172pcs

VII. Camouflage Uniform 20pcs

VIII. Camouflage Vest 100pcs

IX. Camouflage Cap 172pcs

X. Binoculars 120pcs

“The total Duty Paid Value of all the displayed items is One Billion Five Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million Nine Hundred and Seven Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty-Six Naira and 48 Kobo (₦1,568,907,386.48) only.

“Relying on the relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the following decisions have been taken on the illicit items.

“The 55 pieces of unassembled JOJEF MAGNUM SEMI AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN are hereby seized, with the concealing items.

“The items would 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 diligent investigation and prosecution.

“The Suspect arrested will be handed over to the centre for further processing; we will work diligently with other Agencies of Government to apprehend all other parties to this illicit importation.

“All other controlled items imported without the requisite end-user certificates are hereby seized.

“Officers whose diligence, integrity and dedication to duty resulted in this remarkable seizure would be adequately rewarded in a manner provided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023”.

CGC Adeniyi commended the officers’ unwavering professionalism and commitment. As well, he expressed deep gratitude to various partners, both local and international, who provided invaluable intelligence that was crucial for the interception.

He said, the Service is relentless in its pursuit of securing Nigeria’s national frontiers and fostering national security.

“Under my leadership”, he said, “the Service will not condone any act that threatens this nation’s national security and economic prosperity”.

It’s noteworthy that “the Nigeria Customs TCIP Command recently impounded 11 rifles and 6 pistols, among other items.

“Similarly”, CGC Adeniyi recalled that “just two days ago, a press briefing was held in Port Harcourt, where we showcased the seizure of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition. In a related development, we are here again to inform the public that the Muritala Muhammed Area Command, acting on credible intelligence from our local and international collaborators, on 19 June 2024, deployed its personnel to man all the exit points effectively and mandated all examination officers to conduct 100% examination of all consignments”.