Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) officers thwarted a major smuggling attempt at the Onne Port in Rivers State, seizing nine containers filled with weapons, drugs, and used clothing. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, revealed the details at a press briefing on Monday.
The most concerning discovery was a container originating from Turkey containing a staggering 844 assorted guns and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition. Adeniyi explained that the rifles and ammo were cleverly concealed amongst seemingly harmless items like furniture, doors, and plumbing supplies.
The NCS apprehended three suspects in connection with the smuggled container. Adeniyi emphasized that robust collaboration with intelligence agencies, both domestic and international, played a crucial role in intercepting the shipment. A thorough investigation is underway to identify and apprehend everyone involved in this criminal activity.
The NCS also intercepted eight additional containers during the operation. These containers held a significant amount of illegal drugs, including one million bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and over three million Tramadol tablets. The estimated duty-paid value of these drugs is a staggering N9.6 billion. Two other containers contained 720 bales of used clothing, valued at N144 million.
The total value of all nine seized containers is estimated to be N13.9 billion. The NCS plans to hand over the confiscated items to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution.
Adeniyi issued a stern warning to any NCS officers tempted to engage in corrupt practices. He reaffirmed his commitment to a leadership that prioritizes national security and economic well-being. Conversely, officers demonstrating integrity and resisting bribes will be appropriately rewarded.
The Comptroller-General commended the professionalism and meticulousness displayed by the Onne Port Area Comptroller, Mohammed Babandede, and his team. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also praised the NCS for this significant achievement. He highlighted the critical role such operations play in curbing the flow of illegal weapons that fuel insecurity across Nigeria.
Ribadu emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies to effectively combat drug trafficking, arms smuggling, money laundering, and human trafficking – all interconnected criminal activities. He concluded by stressing the vital link between national security and development, urging all security agencies to redouble their efforts in safeguarding Nigeria.
