Hyacinth Chinweuba
The Nigeria Customs Service (Tin-Can Island Command) has intercepted another 20 feet container number CMAU189817/8 containing 470 pieces of Jojef Magnum black pump action riffles.
This seizure is coming just a week after it discovered and seized a 20-foot container load of 1,100 pump action rifles, at the same Command.
The consignment was reportedly shipped in by the same importer, Great James Oil and Gas LTD, who brought in the 1,100 guns.
Following the increase in the number of arms seizures in recent times, the Customs Area Controller of TinCan Island Port, Comptroller Bashir Yusuf, ordered a detailed profile of all imports, especially those coming from the same source (Turkey) with previous seizures.
The terminal Operator was consequently directed to quarantine the flagged container for stricter analysis. It was later transferred to the enforcement unit of the command, where 100% Examination revealed four hundred and seventy (470) black Magnum pump action Rifles as against elbow plumbing plastics on it’s bill of lading.
According to the Customs boss, MV Arkas Africa vessel owned by Hull Blyth carried the deadly container, this discovery brings to a total of two thousand, six hundred and seventy one (2671) rifles seized within the last eight months of this year 2017 by the Nigeria customs service. He said.
“While the audacity of those criminals to think that they can succeed in smuggling these dangerous weapons into the country successfully remain worrisome, the consolation is that, the new Nigeria customs service is now more responsive and capable of meeting the challenges posed by these criminals”.
Ali, said that the present Government requires of all citizens to rise up and remain vigilant to deal decisively with the enemies of the Nation.
“As our seaports becomes increasingly impenetrable, we suspect they may want to try other entry points”.
The CGC further assured Nigerians that NCS is presently at critical alert following his directives to all Customs area controllers.
“We will do all in our powers to further secure this country. He said.
The policy of reward for good deeds and punishment for those who compromise will continue in the service under my leadership. He said
Since the container belong to the same importer of the 1,100 rifles, the ongoing investigation will be reinvigorated to fish out all those directly or remotely connected with these dangerous importers.
Ali, further seek the support of the well meaning Nigerians to support the service by providing useful information that will help us perform even better.