Onne Seaport: Nigerian Customs Foils Major Arms Smuggling Plot, Seizes 844 Rifles Worth N4 Billion from Turkey | #NwokeukwuMascot
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Nigerian Customs Intercepts Container of Arms Worth N4 Billion from Turkey | #NwokeukwuMascot
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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully intercepted a container from Turkey containing a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, valued at approximately N4.17 billion. The seizure, which took place at the Onne Port in Rivers State, highlights the ongoing efforts of the NCS to curb illegal arms trafficking into the country.
The intercepted container was subjected to a detailed physical examination on June 21, 2024. Upon inspection, Customs officers discovered a significant array of firearms and ammunition. The items included:
- 764 units of Tomahawk Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles
- 10 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Rifles
- 50 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Double Barrel Rifles
- 20 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Single Barrel Rifles, Exclusive Series
- 112,500 pieces of Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition
The NCS has detained three suspects in connection with the intercepted container. These individuals are currently in custody, and a comprehensive investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the illegal operation. The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized that all parties involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
In addition to the container of arms, the NCS also seized eight other containers with falsely declared contents, including used clothes and cough syrup containing codeine. The total duty-paid value of these additional seized items amounts to N13.92 billion. This underscores the broader issue of smuggling and the various forms it takes, posing significant risks to both the economy and public health.
Addressing journalists at Onne Port, Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi commended the officers involved in the operation for their vigilance and dedication. He reiterated the NCS’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security and economic interests, warning that the service will not tolerate any actions that compromise the nation’s well-being.
The interception of this container of arms from Turkey is a testament to the Nigeria Customs Service's relentless efforts in combating illegal activities that threaten national security. With the ongoing investigation, further details are expected to emerge, shedding more light on the network behind this significant arms smuggling attempt.
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