Investigate arms proliferation at seaports, clearing agents urge FG

Clearing agents using the nation’s ports of Apapa and Tin-Can in Lagos have called on the Federal Government to investigate the claims by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, that the ports are being used to proliferate arms and weapons into the country.

Recall that during a recent visit to the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Gambo had said that the level of arms proliferation at the ports was scary.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, a port user, Tajudeen Alao, wondered why the ports were being used to proliferate arms despite the port reform of 2006. According to Mr Alao, “Part of the reason Nigeria embarked on the port reform of 2006 was to ensure we stop doing things the old fashioned way at our ports.

“Private investors have taken over operation of port terminals at the ports yet the number one naval security officer in the land is saying that the level of arms proliferation at our ports is scary. The Federal Government needs to investigate this claim. It shouldn’t just be swept under the carpet. That such allegation is coming from the nation’s number one Naval personnel speaks volume. The man said according to credible intelligence, the level of arms proliferation at our ports is scary. Are we just going to sit and let this pass by judging by the level of insecurity in the country?

“It is important that the various security agencies investigate this claim. Insecurity in Nigeria is getting to an alarming height and all hands must be on deck to nip the menace in the bud.”

Also speaking, another clearing agent, Chima Aloysius, wondered why the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) does not invite the Nigerian Navy to the port during inspection of imports containing fertiliser-making materials or explosives for mining sites.

In the words of Aloysius, “The Chief of Naval Staff said that the level of arms proliferation wouldn’t have been this high if the NPA invites its officers during inspection of imports that contain fertiliser-making materials or explosives for mining sites. What this simply means is that we lack inter-agency collaboration at our ports.

“Why should a container containing fertiliser-making materials or explosives for mining sites be allowed to exit the ports without the Navy inspecting it? With the level of insecurity in Nigeria, we all know what this kind of cargoes can be used for if they get into the wrong hands.

“It is important that the claim by the Navy Chief is investigated. Also, the Navy should be called to the ports anytime certain kinds of imports arrive the ports.”

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, recently raised the alarm that the amount of importation of small arms and weapons into the country through the seaports is scary.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, the Naval Chief called for a return of the Navy to the ports.

“Credible intelligence has it that since we left the ports in 1996, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons into our country is scary. But again, at every importation of fertiliser-making materials or explosives for mining sites, the Navy had to be invited.

“If NPA invites us at every opportunity to come and inspect these consignments and also ensure that they get to the destinations they are meant for and they are not diverted, then why not have us at the ports so that when the containers come in, they are not broached in the ports and subsequently after the inspection, we make sure they get to the right destination.

“But it has not gained the necessary traction but I have written again to see that there is need for that especially, with the establishment of the Office of the National Coordinator on Small Arms and Light Weapons by the Office of the National Security Adviser.”