Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of a 40-foot container carrying guns at Ports and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) and Tin-Can Island Port, intended for the South-East region of the country. The discovery was made during a joint inspection exercise conducted by Customs, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Security (DSS), and the National Drug Law Enforcement and Administration (NDLEA).
Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, addressed journalists in Lagos on Monday, highlighting the dedication and vigilance of the customs officers and personnel involved in the arrest of the 40-foot container. He stated that during a thorough physical examination of the container on July 5, 2023, “10 dangerous arms and various rounds of live ammunition were discovered concealed inside plastic drums.”
The clearing agent, Mr. Shokunbi Olanrewaju of Shooler Global International Ltd, and Mr. Joseph Nwadiodor, who was expected to take delivery of the container, have been detained as suspects in connection with the seizure. Adeniyi further revealed that at the Tin-Can Island Port Command, another container was subjected to 100% physical examination based on credible intelligence. The examination resulted in the discovery of 18 arms, packets of cartridges, and rounds of live ammunition concealed inside plastic drums.
The details of the seized weapons include two Sar9 Sarsilmaz Pistols, one Ruger American Pistol, and three Taurus G3c – Bainbridge Pistols. In a separate incident, during a routine patrol along the Owode/Ajilete Axis of Ogun State, officers of the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 intercepted an unregistered Toyota Camry loaded with six sacks of charcoal. Upon further inspection, three pump-action rifles with 174 live cartridges were found concealed within the vehicle.
The investigation into these seizures is still ongoing, and the Nigerian Customs Service intends to hand over the outcome of their investigations, along with the seized items, to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
The interception of these weapons demonstrates the vigilance and commitment of the Nigerian Customs Service to prevent the illegal circulation of firearms and promote public safety and security. The collaboration among the customs, police, DSS, and NDLEA reflects the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating illicit activities. The Nigerian Customs Service remains dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s borders and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
