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July 2, 2024
The centre under the leadership of DIG Johnson Kokumo (retd.) who ia the national coordinator commended the Customs for the recovery of the illegal weapons amid insecurity challenges facing the country.
NCS) intercepted, with 844 rifles and 112,500 live rounds, has now been transferred to the custody of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by NCCSALW by Group Captain Pius Okwuego, Director, Strategic Communications and Information on Monday and obtained by SaharaReporters.
The centre under the leadership of DIG Johnson Kokumo (retd.) who ia the national coordinator commended the Customs for the recovery of the illegal weapons amid insecurity challenges facing the country.
The statement reads: “(NCCSALW) applauds the outstanding efforts of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in intercepting a significant cache of illicit arms and ammunition. The operation resulted in the seizure of a 40-foot container loaded with 844 rifles and 112,500 live ammunition in Port Harcourt.
“The intercepted container, identified as MAEU165396, originated from Turkey and was meticulously tracked by the NCS through their robust Risk Management System. The comprehensive examination of the container revealed the following contents: - 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. - Exclusive Series, Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition 34g – 25 Plastic Shotgun Shells (70MM).
“These arms and ammunition were skillfully concealed within items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings and leather bags. The duty-paid value of the seized container stands at an estimated Four Billion, One Hundred and Seventy-One Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦4,171,710,000.00).
"Three suspects have been detained in connection with this seizure, and further investigations are ongoing to ensure that all parties involved are brought to justice.
“The Nigerian Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, officially handed over the seized arms and ammunition to the NCCSALW today in Port Harcourt.
“This transfer is a significant step in the collaborative efforts between national security agencies to safeguard Nigeria's borders and public safety.
“Deputy Inspector-General of Police Johnson Kokumo (Rtd), mni, the National Coordinator of NCCSALW, expressed his appreciation for the NCS's role in this operation.
He stated, "This seizure is a testament to the unwavering contributions of the Nigerian Customs Service to protect our nation from the dangers posed by illicit arms.
“The NCCSALW will ensure that these weapons are properly documented and destroyed to prevent them from ever posing a threat to our society."
DIG Kokumo emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between the NCCSALW and the NCS, as well as other security agencies, to effectively combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
“The NCCSALW extends its gratitude to the National Security Adviser for his steadfast support and guidance in the Centre’s mission to create a safer Nigeria. The cooperation and intelligence sharing among local, national and international partners were instrumental in the success of this operation.”
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