ARMS SMUGGLING: NCS Intercepts 20 Shipments with 10,498 Arms, 114,929 Ammunition in Six Years

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By Innocent Orok

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi on Wednesday in Lagos State said the Service intercepted 20 shipments comprising 10,498 pieces of various arms and 114,929 pieces of ammunition, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N 9.58 billion since 2018.

Speaking during a press conference on enforcement activities of the Service within Zone ‘A’ in Lagos, Adeniyi, said that 60% of the seizures occured within 2023. The recent surge, according to the Customs boss, accounts for 34.67% of the total DPV, 20.58% of the arms seized, and a 99.62% of the ammunition intercepted over the six-year period.

“These statistics not only highlight the intensification of our efforts, but also reveal the evolving tactics employed by smugglers attempting to breach our borders, In response to this escalating threat. we recently declared a state of emergency, particularly following significant seizures of restricted goods, including pharmaceuticals and medicaments.

“The intricate connections between these diverse smuggling activities and the networks facilitating them are now the primary focus of our strategic operations, such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting. These among other initiatives represent the multifaceted approach adopted by NCS to fortify our operations and safeguard Nigeria’s health and security interests, ” he said.

Speaking on the NCS efforts in combating the illegal trade of endangered species, Adeniyi said on August 8, 2024, the NCS in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice intercepted 9,493 kp of pangolin scales with four suspects arrested.

“This operation, carried out in two separate locations, represents the largest seizure of pangolin scales globally since January 2020.The Kano/Kaduna operation yielded 2,293 tons of pangolin scales and led to two arrests. The Lagos operation resulted in the seizure of 7.2 tons of pangolin scales and two additional arrests. A total of 4 persons were arrested in connection with these operations: 2 in Kano and 2 in Lagos.

“These seizures bring the total amount of pangolin scales intercepted by NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission to nearly 20 tons since 2021, representing the loss of over 30,000 pangolin species. We acknowledge the crucial role of intelligence provided by our partners, which led to these successful operations, ” he said.

He expressed concern over the alarming rise in wildlife trafficking, which he said not only threatens the nation’s biodiversity but also tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation. justice. He assured that the Service remains committed to collaborating with domestic and international partners in combat wildlife trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice.

Additionally, Adeniyi said between May 2023 and August 2024, the NCS recorded 48 seizures of restricted pharmaceuticals and medicaments, 119 shipments of narcotics and Indian hemp, 7,155 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice with 3,235 bags recently confiscated along the Erekiti waterside, Seme road, and Ogun state border areas.

The Customs CG said the Joint Border Patrol Team in the Southwest Zone of Lagos also conducted successful operations between 12 September and 14 October 2024, resulting in various seizures valued at N1.1 billion. He warned smugglers to desist in their nefarious activities as the NCS in collaboration with other security agencies, is more determined than ever to bring the full weight of the law on defaulters.

“We are continuously enhancing our intelligence gathering capabilities, upgrading our — technological infrastructure. and strengthening our partnerships both domestically and internationally. Your days of operating with impunity are numbered.

“To our law-abiding citizens and legitimate traders, | assure you of our commitment to facilitating lawful trade and protecting our economy. We are here to serve you and to ensure that Nigeria remains a safe and prosperous nation for all”, he assured.

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