TICT in trouble over 1,100 imported pump-action guns

A private terminal operator, the  Tin-Can Island Container Terminal (TICT) may be in trouble over its role in the 1,100 pump-action rifles intercepted at the Tin-Can Island Port Complex by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

TICT operates berth 3, 4, 4A & 5 at Tin-Can Port with Terminal Operational area with a total length of 764.64 metres

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) recently said Customs will hold the terminal operator responsible for how the lethal weapons container found its way into the terminal examination bay when it was not listed for examination for on that day.

The Customs CG also queried how the container found its way into the examination bay with seal cut-off and padlocked even though it was not positioned or listed for examination.

He said, “The container was conveyed by a vessel, MV Bella Shuttle. At the point of examination, it was observed that the container was not listed for examination but found its way into the examination bay with the seal of the container cut and padlocked. The container became suspicious and had to be immediately transferred to the enforcement unit.”

Speaking further, the customs boss said that, “Already, one officer of the service alleged to have authorised the cutting of the seal and the terminal clerk have been arrested and are undergoing investigation.

“Nigeria Customs Service under my watch will do what is possible to fish out all those remotely connected to this devilish importation; we shall bring them to justice.

“We would now begin to hold even the terminal operators responsible because, how come the container which was not listed and positioned for examination found its way into the group of those that were supposed to be inspected? The terminal operators must explain because as soon as the containers were brought down from the ship, they took charge of them, so somebody would have to explain how the container founds its way out.”

When contacted, the Chief Executive Officer of TICT, Mr. Etienne Richer said he cannot speak on the issue on the phone. “I cannot speak on this on the phone. We will issue a feedback soon on this,” Etienne explained.