‎Illegal arms importation: Reps call for thorough probe

The House of Representatives on Tuesday asked the Federal Government to probe the illegal arms importations into the country thoroughly.

To this end, the House asked the federal government should direct the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Director-General of the State Security Service, the Inspector–General of Police, the Comptroller–General of Customs and other Security Agencies to carry out a thorough investigation of the incidences of illicit importation of firearms and cause the prosecution of those behind the importation and clearing of the firearms.

Read more: Again, Customs discover container load of 440 pump-action guns in Lagos + PHOTOS

‎The House also mandated its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Customs and Excise, and Police Affairs to interface with the National Security Adviser, the Comptroller–General of Customs, the Director–General of the Department of State Security Service and the Inspector–General of Police on the state of investigations of the matters and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

The House resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, entitled, “Call for transparency in the investigation of illegal importation of firearms into Nigeria”.

‎According to the lawmaker, “On 22 January, 2017, operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted a trailer along Mile 2 Apapa Road, Lagos conveying a container of 661 illegally imported pump action riffles”.

She added that, following the interception of the firearms, three people were arrested in connection with the conveyance of the intercepted firearms and about 4 customs officers involved in clearing the container were also detained.

Speaking further, she said that since the arrests were made, no further information has been disclosed on whether anyone was charged to court in connection with the matter about four (4) months after the incident.

The lawmaker also said that on 23 May, 2017, another container filled with about 440 pump action riffles was intercepted at the Tin Can Island Apapa, Lagos allegedly imported from Turkey;

To this end, she said that, “the frequent illicit importation of firearms into the country contributes in fueling the different shades of crimes such as armed robbery, kidnappings, cultism, herdsmen invasion, cattle rustling, militancy, political violence, communal clashes, etc that are ravaging the nation.

According to her, “The apparent lack of transparency in the handling of the earlier incidence of importation of 661 riffles may have emboldened the perpetrators of the recent 440 pump action riffles into believing that they too can get away with the crime”.

When the motion was put to voice vote by the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, it was supported.