Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR (3rd from left) inspects the seized items alongside other officers.

The Nigeria Customs Service has said that some citizens it described as ‘unscrupulous Nigerians’ based in Turkey are responsible for the illegal importation 55 unassembled shotguns, some military and paramilitary accoutrements including drones and camouflage, among several others through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos Area Command. The Service also said that the syndicate was responsible for the illegal importation of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition at the onne Ports early this week as well as those of 11 rifles and six pistols seized at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos few weeks ago.

The Service while giving a detailed account of how its operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos Area Command intercepted a total of 55 units of unassembled Jojef Magnum (Tomahawk) semi-automatic shotgun, said they were concealed in four packages suspected to be part of a rifle from a console consignment with airway bill number 235-58737755.

This is coming few days after the service made a similar seizure at the Onne Port, Port Harcourt comprising 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition. Also recall that the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos command had few weeks ago seized 11 rifles and six pistols, shipped from Turkey, among other illicit items.

The unassembled rifles, impounded on June 19, 2024, were shipped from Turkey and were concealed using shower faucets with a Duty Paid Value DPV of N270.9million.

Also seized at the Airport were some military and paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates with DPV value of N1.3billion.

 They include 148 pieces of drones, 172 pieces of ballistic vest, 15 pieces of ballistic plate, one piece of ballistic helmet and eight pieces of walkie talkie. Others include 9,172 units of military and paramilitary badges, 20 units of camouflage uniform, 100 pieces of camouflage vest, 172 units of camouflage cap and 120 units of binoculars.

Speaking in Lagos, Wednesday, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi disclosed that the three most recent seizures of arms and ammunitions at the Lagos Airport, Onne Seaport and Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, were orchestrated by some unpatriotic Nigerians in Turkey, who buy, package and ship the illicit weapons into the country.

He added that the seizures were made with the aid of credible intelligence from international and local sources, adding that on the receipt of the intel, the command had to isolate the suspected consignments and conducted 100 per cent physical examination, leading to the seizure of the items.

He further hinted that in line with Customs Act 2023, the contraband items, which have all been confiscated and would be handed over the relevant agencies for appropriate action were imported by an unscrupulous Nigerian syndicate based in Turkey, assuring that officers and men at the various entry points in the country are red alert to impound such items.

It was learnt that one suspect is currently in the custody of the service and is assisting with the ongoing investigation to uncover the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

The CG said: ““Analysis of this and similar recent seizures indicates that some unscrupulous Nigerians based in Turkey are purchasing, packaging and exporting these illicit arms to Nigeria. Intelligence further revealed that they are exploring new frontiers to perpetrate their nefarious activities. Still, I can assure Nigerians that all our Commands are on red alert to intercept any such illicit arms importation.

“You may recall that the Nigeria Customs TCIP Command recently impounded 11 rifles and 6 pistols, among other items. Similarly, just two days ago, a press briefing of this kind was held in Port Harcourt, where we showcased the seizure of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition. In a related development, we are here again to inform the public that the Murtala Muhammed Area Command, acting on credible intelligence from our local and international collaborators, on 19 June 2024, deployed its personnel to man all the exit points effectively and mandated all examination officers to conduct 100per cent examination of all consignments.

“During the examination, an item was discovered and suspected to be part of a rifle from a console consignment with airway bill number 235-58737755, emanating from Turkey. Consequently, the entire consignment was isolated for thorough examination. At the end of the examination, it was established that four packages were used to conceal 55 pieces of unassembled Jojef Magnum (Tomahawk) semi-automatic shotgun. The unassembled rifles were concealed using shower faucet.

Also, on display this afternoon are some Military and Paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates.

“Relying on the relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the following decisions have been taken on the illicit items. The 55 pieces of unassembled Jojef Magnum Semi-automatic shotgun are hereby seized, with the concealing items. The items would be handed over to the Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the office of the National Security Adviser, for diligent investigation and prosecution.

“The suspect arrested will be handed over to the Centre for further processing; we will work diligently with other agencies of government to apprehend all other parties to this illicit importation. All other controlled items imported without the requisite end-user certificates are hereby seized. Officers whose diligence, integrity and dedication to duty resulted in this remarkable seizure would be adequately rewarded in a manner provided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt commendation to Customs Area Comptroller of Murtala Mohammed Command, M.T. Awe and his dedicated officers and men for these interceptions. Their unwavering professionalism and commitment are truly commendable. I also wish to express our deep gratitude to our various partners, both local and international, who provided invaluable intelligence that was crucial for this interception.

“This seizure sends an unequivocal warning to anyone considering similar illicit importation. The Service is relentless in its pursuit of securing our national frontiers and fostering national security. Under my leadership, the Service will not condone any act that threatens this nation’s national security and economic prosperity.”