Customs seize weapons from Lagos ports

31 different types of guns were seized from two Tin-Can and Port and Multi-Purpose Terminals (PTML) ports in Lagos, according to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The newly appointed Comptroller-General of the Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, revealed this and said that two suspects had been detained and were in the agency's custody at the time.

He claims that the seizure occurred on Monday.

He claimed that earlier this month (on July 5), during a joint operation with the Police, the Department of State Security (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement and Administration (NDLEA), and the Customs Intelligence Unit at the Ports Terminal and Multi Services Limited Command, the team discovered 10 dangerous firearms and numerous live rounds of ammunition concealed inside plastic drums.

According to Mr. Adeniyi, who provided a breakdown of the seizures, 14 empty magazines and 442 live rounds of ammunition were found, along with three new pump action rifles, one new armed rifle unit, six new pistols of various makes, including three new Lugger Security-9 pistols, one new Taurus Banbridge G3C pistol, one new SCCY CPX-2 pistol, and one new Taurus (63 pistol).

He said: “Our dedicated officers and men have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their responsibilities. “Their diligence and perseverance have been the cornerstone of our operations. Our actions within the NCS have been driven by a deep sense of purpose and guided by the mantra of renewed hope, which underpins the current administration’s vision. We recognize the significance of our role in contributing to the overall objectives of President Tinubu-led administration, as articulated in the Road Map of the Policy Advisory Council document.

“The declaration of a state of emergency in revenue generation and national security has further aligned our activities with the government’s overarching goals.

“Pursuant to this commitment, I stand before you today to highlight the recent achievements of the NCS in our ongoing efforts to suppress smuggling and safeguard national security. Some of our dedicated and diligent officers uncovered some smuggled arms and ammunition while on duty at various Commands and formations.”

In addition, the head of customs revealed that two clearance agents, Mr. Shokunbi Olanrewaju of Shooler Global International Ltd. and Mr. Joseph Nwadiodor, who was supposed to receive the container, were being held as suspects in connection with the seizure.

Along with the seizure of weapons at PTML Customs Command, the Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Service, based on reliable information, 100% physically inspected a 1x40ft container with the appropriate security agencies at the ports.

During the physical inspection, 18 weapons, cartridge packs, and live rounds of ammo were found. 

Source