The Nigeria Customs Service seized a ₦13.9 billion arms and ammunition shipment from Turkey at Onne Port, Rivers State. The confiscated container included 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition. Three suspects were arrested, and further investigations are underway to uncover the smuggling network.
In a significant operation at Onne Port, Rivers State, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a large shipment of arms and ammunition valued at approximately ₦13.9 billion. The interception, announced by Customs Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi, marks a major success in the fight against illegal arms importation.
The shipment, originating from Turkey, was discovered in a 40-foot container that had been under surveillance by the NCS. Upon inspection, officials found an alarming cache of weapons, including 844 rifles of various types and over 112,000 rounds of live ammunition. The arsenal was cleverly concealed among everyday items such as furniture, doors, and plumbing fittings.
The seized weapons include a mix of pump action rifles, double-barrel rifles, and single-barrel rifles from different manufacturers. The ammunition discovered was high-quality plastic shotgun shells. Three suspects have been taken into custody as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this illegal importation.
In a related operation, the NCS also intercepted eight additional containers carrying controlled substances and contraband. These included over a million bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and millions of tablets of prescription drugs. The estimated value of these seized pharmaceuticals exceeds ₦9.6 billion.
Furthermore, two containers of used clothing, valued at ₦144 million, were also confiscated during the operation.
This series of seizures highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian customs officials in combating the smuggling of illegal arms and controlled substances. It also underscores the importance of vigilance and sophisticated surveillance techniques in protecting the nation's borders and ensuring public safety.
