ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant seizure of assorted arms, drones, and military accoutrements worth N1.5 billion, which were exported from Turkey to Lagos State.
Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this in Lagos on Wednesday, stating that the items were concealed in a console consignment with an airway bill number 235-58737755.
Adeniyi said, “During the examination, an item was discovered and suspected to be part of a rifle from a console consignment with airway bill number 235-58737755, emanating from Turkey.
“Consequently, the entire consignment was isolated for thorough examination. At the end of the examination, it was established that 4 packages were used to conceal 55 pieces of unassembled Jojef magnum (Tomahawk) semi-automatic shotgun. The unassembled rifles were concealed using shower faucet. The Duty Paid Value of these illicit arms is N270, 888, 109.29.”
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The seized items include:55 pieces of unassembled Jojef magnum (Tomahawk) semi-automatic shotgun, concealed using shower faucets, 148 pieces of drones, 172 pieces of ballistic vest, 15 pieces of ballistic plates, One piece of ballistic helmet, Eight pieces of walkie-talkie, 9,172 pieces of military and paramilitary badges, 20 pieces of camouflage uniform, 100 pieces of camouflage vest, 172 pieces of camouflage cap and 120 pieces of binoculars.
The Duty Paid Value of the illicit arms is N270,888,109.29, while the total value of the military and paramilitary accoutrements is N1.29 billion.
Adeniyi revealed that analysis of recent seizures showed that some unscrupulous Nigerians based in Turkey are purchasing, packaging, and exporting these illicit arms to Nigeria.
Meanwhile, a suspect has been arrested in connection with the illicit arms importation and will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for investigation and prosecution.
This seizure comes days after the Customs announced the seizure of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition in Port Harcourt.