How We Intercepted 844 Rifles, 112,500 Rounds of Ammunition in Port Harcourt – CG Adeniyi

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, recounted the successful interception of a 1X40 foot container, MAEU165396, from Turkey to Port Harcourt, laden with 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition.

I’m in a press briefing on Monday, Adeniyi praised the Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne, for their crucial role in intercepting the container and arresting the suspects involved. He commended their efforts in safeguarding the nation’s borders and public safety.

Adeniyi detailed the operation: “Recently at Tin Can Island Port Lagos, I discussed criminal attempts to exploit our trade facilitation processes.Our robust Risk Management System helps us stay ahead. When these attempts threaten national security, our alert level matches the threat.

This container from Turkey became a subject of interest based on risk factors. We tracked it globally, thanks to our collaboration with intelligence communities.

On June 21, 2024, we conducted a thorough examination of the suspicious container, revealing 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition concealed among doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags.

The container’s duty-paid value is ₦4,171,710,000.00. Three suspects are in custody with a detention warrant, and a thorough investigation is ongoing.”

Additionally, on June 29, 2024, officers intercepted another eight 40-foot containers in transit to a bonded warehouse from Onne Port.

These containers, containing 1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine (100ml), 3,500,000 Trodol Benzhexol Tablets (5mg), and 720 bales of used clothes, have a total duty-paid value of ₦13,915,710,000.00.

Adeniyi outlined actions taken under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023:

1. Seizure of the 40-footer container with rifles and ammunition, along with other contents.
2. Handing over the items to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for investigation and prosecution.
3. Handing over the arrested suspects to the Centre for further processing.
4. Seizure of the eight containers with falsely declared contents.
5. Suspension of licenses and permits for warehouses, terminals, and customs agents involved.
6. Sanctioning complicit Customs officers, with rewards for those who upheld their duties.

Adeniyi concluded by commending the Customs Area Comptroller Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede, and his team for their meticulous approach.

He also acknowledged local and international partners for their crucial information. Adeniyi warned potential offenders, stating, “We will run you out of business.

The Nigeria Customs Service will not tolerate actions compromising our nation’s economy and security. Thank you for your attention and cooperation.”