The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has announced the interception of two major smuggling attempts at the Onne Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a press conference held at the Nigeria Customs Service Port Harcourt Area II Command in Onne, Adeniyi revealed that the first container, which originated from Turkey, was found to contain 844 units of assorted rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition.
“The rifles and ammunition were concealed using various items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags,” Adeniyi said. “The duty-paid value of the container is Four Billion, One Hundred and Seventy-One Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦4,171,710,000.00).”
The Comptroller-General stated that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the illegal arms shipment, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure all those involved face the full wrath of the law.
In another development, Adeniyi disclosed that Customs officers, through synergy and intelligence sharing, had intercepted eight containers transiting to a bonded warehouse from the Onne Port. These containers were found to be laden with 1,050,000 bottles of codeine-containing cough syrup, 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol, and 720 bales of used clothes.
“The total duty-paid value of the nine displayed containers is Thirteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Fifteen Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦13,915,710,000.00),” Adeniyi said.
The Comptroller-General stated that all the containers have been seized, and the items will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution. He also announced the suspension of the licenses and permits of the warehouses, terminals, and customs agents involved in these cases.
Adeniyi commended the professionalism of the Customs Area Comptroller in Onne, Mohammed Babandede, and his officers for their meticulous approach in these operations. He also acknowledged the contributions of local and international partners who provided the necessary information to successfully carry out the operations.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of our beloved nation,” Adeniyi warned, sending a strong message to those contemplating similar misadventures.
