Top Stories

Customs Seize ₦1.5bn Worth of Arms, Military Gear From Turkey

 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a cache of assorted arms, drones, and military equipment valued at ₦1.5 billion.

According to Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the seizure took place at the Murtala Muhammed Area Command in Lagos State, following intelligence from local and international sources.

“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,” Adeniyi disclosed during a press briefing on Wednesday.

The investigation led to the discovery of 55 unassembled Jojef magnum (Tomahawk) semi-automatic shotguns concealed within four packages disguised as shower faucets. The Duty Paid Value of these illicit arms alone was estimated at ₦270,888,109.29.

Additionally, the Customs authorities uncovered military and paramilitary accoutrements valued at ₦1.29 billion, contributing to the total seizure value of ₦1.5 billion. Adeniyi highlighted that recent seizures indicate a trend where Nigerian nationals based in Turkey are purchasing and exporting illegal arms to Nigeria.

“One suspect has been apprehended in connection with this illicit importation and will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for thorough investigation and prosecution,” Adeniyi confirmed.

The confiscated items include 148 drones, 172 ballistic vests, 15 ballistic plates, one ballistic helmet, eight walkie-talkies, 9,172 military and paramilitary badges, 20 camouflage uniforms, 100 camouflage vests, 172 camouflage caps, and 120 binoculars.

 

admin

Recent Posts

Ford Trims Workforce: 4,000 Jobs to Go in Europe

US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in…

1 day ago

Tinubu Dissolves UNIZIK Council, Sacks VC, Registrar, Otukpo Pro-Chancellor

  President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe…

1 day ago

Ekiti Workers to Earn N70,000 Minimum Wage as Govt Signs MoU with Unions

  The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state,…

2 days ago

N610bn Constituency Projects Under ICPC Scrutiny in 21 States, FCT

  The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has initiated the seventh…

2 days ago

Iraq Undertakes Historic Census After 40-Year Gap

Iraq is holding its first nationwide census in nearly four decades this week, a long-awaited…

2 days ago

Relief as Rep ‘Lafi’ Empowers 300 Constituents Through Skill Acquisition Programme

  Over 300 constituents of Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in Oyo State benefitted from a skill…

3 days ago