The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container from Turkey carrying an extensive cache of weapons and ammunition. The seizure includes 844 rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition, with a duty-paid value estimated at N4,171,710,000.
Announcing the operation at Onne Port in Rivers State, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi revealed the details of the confiscated items. Among the seized arsenal are 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, and Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition.
The discovery was made during a physical examination of the container on June 21, 2024.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspects, who are currently in custody. The NCS has assured that a thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure all involved parties face the full extent of the law.
In addition to the arms haul, eight other containers were seized for falsely declared contents, including used clothes and cough syrup with codeine. The combined duty-paid value of these seizures is N13,915,710,000.
Comptroller General Adeniyi commended the officers involved in the operation and issued a stern warning to those considering similar illegal activities. He emphasized that the NCS remains vigilant and committed to protecting the nation’s economy and security.
“We will not tolerate any actions that compromise the safety and stability of Nigeria,” Adeniyi stated, underscoring the agency’s resolve to combat smuggling and ensure national security.
