Customs Operations in Onne Intercepts 844 Rifles, 112,500 Rounds of Ammunition

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant arms and ammunition seizure at the Port Harcourt Area II Command in Onne. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija reports that the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi announced this during a press conference in Rivers State on July 1, 2024. 

According to him, acting on credible intelligence, Customs officers inspected a suspicious 40 foot container from Turkey on June 21, 2024, and discovered 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition hidden among doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags. The total duty-paid value of the seized items is ₦4,171,710,000.00.

During the announcement, Adeniyi emphasized the NCS's dedication to national security and public safety, noting that three suspects have been detained and an investigation is ongoing to ensure all involved face legal consequences. 

Additionally, on June 29, 2024, Customs officers intercepted eight 40-foot containers bound for a bonded warehouse from Onne Port.

The seized containers were found to contain 1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine, 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol, and 720 bales of used clothes, all valued at ₦13,915,710,000.00. 

"These successful operations are a testament to our robust Risk Management System and effective collaboration with both local and international intelligence communities," said Adeniyi. 

OPE N TELEVISION Naija recalls as further stated that the arms and ammunition container will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution. Licenses and permits for the implicated warehouses and terminals have been suspended, and any officers found complicit will face severe penalties.

Adeniyi praised Customs Area Comptroller Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede, and his team for their professionalism and acknowledged the vital support from local and international partners, as well as other government agencies. 

"This seizure sends a strong message to those considering similar illegal activities: we will eliminate your operations. The NCS remains steadfast in protecting Nigeria's borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens," Adeniyi reiterated.