The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully intercepted nine containers carrying arms, ammunition, illicit drugs, and second-hand clothes, with a total value of N13.9 billion. This significant operation was announced by the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, during a press briefing at Onne Port in Rivers State.
Adeniyi revealed that one container originating from Turkey was flagged due to numerous risk factors. The container became a focal point for the NCS, who tracked its journey across continents. Leveraging credible intelligence from both local and international sources, the NCS maintained a vigilant watch over the container.
“On Friday, June 21, 2024, we conducted a thorough examination of the container. Inside, we discovered 844 assorted rifles and 12,500 rounds of live ammunition concealed among items like doors, furniture fittings, and leather bags,” Adeniyi detailed.
In addition to the arms container, the NCS intercepted eight more containers transiting from a bonded terminal. A detailed inspection revealed that six of these containers held 1.5 million bottles of codeine cough syrup and 3.5 million tablets of tramadol, both valued at N9.6 billion. The total duty-paid value of all nine containers is N13.9 billion.
Adeniyi confirmed that three suspects were apprehended in connection with these seizures. The NCS obtained a detention warrant from a competent court to hold the suspects for further investigation and legal action.
On a related note, the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 of the NCS reported another significant seizure on June 28, 2024. They intercepted 1,410 liters of premium motor spirit, valued at N30.4 million, within a single week. This was disclosed by the team’s coordinator, Mohammad Shuaibu, during a press conference at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos State.
These successful operations underscore the NCS’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and preventing the smuggling of illegal and harmful items into the country.
