Insecurity: Security agencies collaborating to stop illegal ammunition importation — Customs

The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi on Thursday said that security forces are working together with the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) towards addressing the menace of alarming rate of importation of illegal arms and ammunition into the country in the interest of national security

CG Adeniyi disclosed this at the monthly joint press briefing by security, defence and response agencies “Strategic Communications Interagency. Policy; Committee” being co-odinated by the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) and hosted for the month of August by the Nigerian Customs Service.

The NCS boss who said that he just returned from the Onne Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State over the ugly development decried the alarming; rate of seizures of illegal arms! In the. zone but expressed delight at the level of cooperation amongst the Nation’s security agencies in addressing the issue squarely

According to him,”The rate is alarming but the situation is being addressed collectively by our security agencies through joint operations and intelligence gathering being coordinated by the office of the National security Adviser, ONSA and we are getting excellent results.

“This came just as the Nigeria Police Force, NPF insisted the Briton Andrew Wynne and one Lucky Obiyan earlier linked with terrorism activities in the country declared wanted on Monday remained wanted persons irrespective of immigrants status.”

Fielding questions from newsmen in the position of the Police on the issue, the Force Public Relations officer (FPRO) ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated “nothing has changed and declared that the duo remained wanted persons based on concrete evidences against them during the course of the ongoing investigations.”

Addressing newsmen earlier on the achievements made by each of the agencies in the month under review, the Spokesperson of the Nigerian Customs Service, CSC Abdulahi Maiwada disclosed that the Defense Headquarters recorded significant progress in ongoing operations across the country, resulting in a substantial weakening of terrorist groups.

According to him, “during the month under review, Troops neutralized 1,166 terrorists and arrested 1,096 suspected terrorists and criminal elements, while also rescuing 721 kidnapped hostages.

“Among those taken off the battlefield were key terrorist leaders and commanders, including Munir Arika, Sani Dilla, and Ameer Modu in the Northeast, and Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Sani Baka Tsine, and Ibrahim in the Northwest.

“The strategy of dismantling these terror groups by targeting their leadership, commanders, and collaborators is significantly diminishing their capacity to carry out major offensives. Additionally, the military recovered 391 weapons, over 15,000 rounds of ammunition, and disrupted oil theft activities worth over N5 billion.”

Speaking on the maritime sector, he disclosed ” the Nigerian Navy, under Operation DELTA SANITY, continued its aggressive campaign against crude oil theft, resulting in the destruction of 15 illegal refinery sites, 17 wooden boats, and 10 refining ovens across Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Ondo States. Notably, a massive refinery site with a capacity of 2 million liters per day was dismantled along the Ogolo Accma-Bakana waterways in Rivers State.

“Additionally, 72 bags of cannabis sativa were seized, and four suspects, including three Ghanaians and one Beninois, were arrested. These efforts have contributed to Nigeria’s crude oil production reaching 1.658 million barrels per day, reinforcing the Navy’s role in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.”

Speaking on the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies , he stated that Police Force conducted extensive operations during the nationwide ‘End Bad Governance in Nigeria’ protest, which spanned from August 1st to 10th.

According to him, “During this period, police arrested a total of 873 individuals across several states, including Kano, Jigawa, FCT, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, Borno, Edo, and Gombe. These arrests were made in connection with various criminal activities such as armed robbery, arson, and vandalism.

“Among the recoveries were two AK-47 rifles, assorted live ammunition, stolen items worth billions of naira, and Russian flags from the protesters.

“Additionally, a coordinated effort with other security agencies led to the arrest of nine suspects involved in a plot to destabilize the government with alleged foreign financial support. Notably, Andrew Whynne, a British national, and Lucky Ehis Obiyan were declared wanted for their alleged roles in terrorism financing.”

He added that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) had recently seen notable achievements and activities across various states.

According to him, “At the Female Custodial Facility in Auchi, four female inmates completed the June/July 2024 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) organised by NECO, demonstrating their commitment to education despite their circumstances.

“Additionally, the service, in collaboration with the Chief Judges of Ondo and Gombe States, facilitated the release of 72 and 185 inmates respectively to alleviate overcrowding.”

Speaking on revenue generation, suppression of smuggling trade facilitation, he said during the period under review, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) achieved significant milestones across key areas, including revenue generation, enforcement activities, trade facilitation, and strategic stakeholders’ engagement.

According to him, “The NCS collected ₦277.5 billion in import duties and ₦15.8 billion in excise duties, reflecting its commitment to revenue maximisation.

“In an effort to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum, the NCS recorded 83 seizures across various commands, including 170,000 liters of PMS, 3,083 bags of foreign rice, 1,014 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 23 vehicles, and other contraband, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦975,066,791.65.

” he NCS also intensified its “Operation Whirlwind” (OPWW) to combat the smuggling of petroleum products, especially in border states. The operation over the months have led to the interception of seven PMS trucks, the sealing of 12 retail outlets, and the seizure of 466,000 liters of PMS and 23 vehicles. Investigations have led to the prosecution of seven suspects, and three marketers have been fined by the NMDPRA, with sealed filling stations transferred for further action.

“In trade facilitation, the NCS made strides through time release studies, advance ruling, stakeholder engagement, and the commencement of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme benefits for qualified approved operators. The AEO initiative, which aligns with global best practices, aims to enhance trade facilitation and bolster Nigeria’s position in the international trading community.”

On the achievements of the Nigerian. immigration Service , he disclosed that Service advanced its capabilities with the near-completion of the NIS Technology Complex, featuring cutting-edge facilities and e-Border solutions.

According to him, “The new Visa Policy facilitated 8,352 Visas on Arrival. Anti-smuggling efforts led to 97 trafficked victims being intercepted, with 87 cases handed over to NAPTIP and 10 reunifications.

“The NIS also launched an anti-corruption campaign, conducted workshops at five international airports, and upgraded its Country Signing Certificate Authority (CSCA) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to meet ICAO standards. Additionally, NIS collaborated with the Netherlands on Hostmanship Training and eased out 61 foreign nationals to address irregular migration.”

Speaking on the activities of the FRSC, he explained that the FRSC handled 691 road traffic crashes, rescuing 2,083 victims and arresting 51,485 traffic offenders.

According to him, “Key innovations recorded during the period include the launch of the FRSC App, which offers comprehensive services and real-time updates, and the National Road Traffic Crash Information System (NACRIS) for better data management and policy formulation.

“Additionally, over 200,000 national drivers licenses were produced, nine stolen vehicles were recovered, and a substantial number of number plates were produced and registered, showcasing the Corps’ commitment to improving road safety and efficiency.”

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