In a significant move to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms in Nigeria, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), arraigned 10 suspects involved in terrorism-related offenses on 12 September 2024 at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suspects are linked to a large-scale operation involving the illegal importation of prohibited firearms and ammunition, intercepted earlier this year at Onne Port, Rivers State.
Group Captain Pius Okwuego, Director of Strategic Communications and Information at NCCSALW, revealed that the suspects were apprehended after the interception of a 40-foot container at the Onne Port, Rivers State, on 20 June 2024. The container, with registration number MAEU-9165396, originated from Turkey and concealed 844 assorted firearms and 112,500 rounds of live cartridges within plumbing materials and steel doors. The operation was spearheaded by the Nigerian Customs Service, which later handed over the case to NCCSALW.
The primary suspect, Ali Samson Ofoma, along with nine accomplices, including Okechukwu Gabriel Charles, Kingsley Mbibi, and Akinkuade Mayowa Segun, was arrested in Abuja. Investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a sophisticated smuggling ring using falsified documents to misrepresent the shipment as spare parts and household items. The NCCSALW’s intelligence architecture, working in conjunction with other security agencies, led to their capture.
The suspects were charged with multiple offenses, including conspiracy to import prohibited firearms, violating the Firearms Act, and terrorism-related offenses under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022. Initially scheduled for Monday, 9 September 2024, the arraignment was postponed due to the absence of two defense lawyers, and it finally took place today, 12 September 2024, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case has been adjourned until 26 September 2024 for further hearing.
NCCSALW, empowered by the recently signed Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024, remains resolute in its mission to curb illegal arms proliferation and safeguard national security. The Centre continues to collaborate with local and international partners to eliminate threats posed by illicit arms trafficking across Nigeria. Investigations into this case are ongoing.
