The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday bemoaned another importation of arms into the country from Turkey. This was even as the Comptroller-General of the Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) disclosed that element who don’t believe in the unity of Nigeria are behind the importation.
He disclosed this at a press briefing after the service for the third time in 2017, intercepted a container load of 1100 pump-action rifles imported into Nigeria from Turkey.
Recall that the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the service in January intercepted a container load of 661 pieces of Pump-action rifles along Mile two expressway while the Tin-Can Island Command intercepted another container load of 440 pieces of Pump-action on 23rd of May 2017.
However, on the 6th of September, 2017, the Tin-Can Island Command of the Service Intercepted another 1,100 pump action rifles imported from Turkey. The CG while speaking at a press briefing said, “Importation of 1100 Rifles at a time when the nation is undergoing some security challenges is a clear indication that there are indeed some elements who do not believe in the unity, Peace and well-being of Nigerians.”
“This particular seizure being the third in the series of arms seizures within 8 months of this year, presents an all-time high of the triumph of NCS over evil forces.” Giving a lowdown on how the container was intercepted by the service, Ali said the 20ft container was originally declared to contain wash hand basins and water closets.
He said: “On the 6th of September, 2017 operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service intelligence unit on a routine monitoring of activities across the terminals discovered a 1x20ft container with number, GESU2555208 which was not previously listed for examination positioned with other containers for the day’s examination.
“They also observed that the seal of this unlisted container had already been cut and padlocked. The container became suspect and had to be immediately transferred TIN the enforcement unit.” The CG further disclosed at the briefing that a Customs Officer and a terminal clerk had been arrested in connection with the broken seal.
“Upon thorough examination, the container contained 600 pieces of Jojef Magnum Black Pump action; 300 pieces of Jojef Magnum silver Pump action and 209 pieces of Jojef Magnum Plastic Single Barrels Hunting Gun Pump Action Rifles.
“Already one officer of the service alleged to have authorized the cutting of the seal and the terminal clerk have been arrested and are undergoing investigation. NCS under my leadership will do all that is possible to fish out all those remotely connected to this devilish importation. We shall bring them to justice.”
