Customs impounds 49 boxes of 661 pump action rifles

THE Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has impounded a container from China filled with 49 boxes containing 661 pump action rifles along Mile 2 axis of the Apapa-Oshodi express road in Lagos.

Speaking to newsmen on Monday in Lagos, the Comptroller General of the NCS, Hameed Alli stated that a Mack truck with registration number BDG 265 XG conveying the 1by40ft container with number PONU/825914/3 is currently in the custody of the NCS and will be handed over to the appropriate agency of government for further investigations.

In the words of the Customs CG “On January 22, 2017, the Roving Team of the NCS Federal Operations Unit, intercepted a Mack truck conveying the seized arms and ammunition.

“The truck was immediately taken to the premises of the FOU, Zone A were physical examination revealed 49 boxes containing a total number of 661 pieces of pump action rifles concealed under steel doors and other merchandise goods declaration.

“The owner of this container declared that the container contained steel doors and other merchandise goods. However, we have been able to discover this arms and ammunitions inside the container.

“All the Customs officers that signed and allowed this container to leave the ports have been arrested and are awaiting proper investigation while I have ordered that every other officer that is in the know as to how it left the port should be apprehended.

“The owners of this container tried to deceive us by re-routing it through Turkey, but investigations have revealed that it originated from China. These rifles are under absolute prohibition; therefore, its importation is illegal. Such deadly contravention of the law is even more unacceptable considering the fragile security situation in some parts of the country.

“Already, three suspects have been arrested in connection with this illegal importation. They are: Mr Oscar Okafor, an importer aged 51; Mr Mahmud Hassan, a clearing agent aged 56 and Mr Sadique Mustapha, a 28 year old man who was accompanying the consignment to its destination.

“This seizure underscores the determination of the Service to enforce all laws relating to importation and exportation of goods in and out of Nigeria, thereby contributing to the economy, security and wellbeing of the country.

“Let me seize on this opportunity to call on all well meaning Nigerians to support the service with information that could assist the Service perform its statutory responsibilities in the interest of our fatherland.”