The Nigerian Customs Service has intercepted a 40-foot container carrying 844 rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition.

This container, marked MAEU165396, was traced from Turkey to Port Harcourt.

The interception was announced by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who praised the efforts of the Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne, for their role in the operation.

“With our robust Risk Management System, we have always remained a step ahead of their moves,” Adeniyi said. “When efforts are geared towards creating actions that will produce irreversible consequences on national security, our alert level is elevated to match the threats posed to us.”

The intercepted container was subject to a thorough examination on June 21, 2024. The search revealed the following:

1. 764 units of Tomahawk Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles
2. 10 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Rifles
3. 50 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Double Barrel Rifles
4. 20 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Single Barrel Rifles
5. 112,500 pieces of live ammunition (Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition 34g – 25 Plastic Shotgun Shells, 70MM)

“The rifles and ammunition were concealed using various items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags. The duty-paid value of the container is ₦4,171,710,000.00,” Adeniyi stated.

Three suspects have been detained and an investigation is ongoing to ensure all those involved face legal consequences.

In another operation on June 29, 2024, customs officers intercepted eight more 40-foot containers at Onne Port. These containers, meant for a bonded warehouse, were found to contain:

1. 1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine (100ml)
2. 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol Tablets (5mg)
3. 720 bales of used clothes

The total duty-paid value of these containers is ₦13,915,710,000.00.

“These items will 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 ultimately rigorous prosecution,” Adeniyi added.

Adeniyi commended the Customs Area Comptroller Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede, and his team for their meticulous approach. He also thanked local and international partners for providing crucial information.

“This seizure serves as a strong warning to others who may be contemplating similar misadventures,” Adeniyi concluded. “My message to them is simple; we will run you out of business. The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of our beloved nation.”

Adeniyi also urged the public to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.