The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has applauded the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) for intercepting a large cache of illicit arms and ammunition.
A statement by Director, Strategic Communications, NCCSALW, Group Captain Pius Okwuegohe said the Nigerian Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adenizi, handed over the seized arms and ammunition to the NCCSALW on Monday 1st July, 2024, in Port Harcourt.
The National Coordinator of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DCP) Johnson Kokumo retired, expressed the appreciation when the centre recieved the seized illicit arms from the Nigerian Customs Service in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
The Coordinator commended the role of the Nigerian Customs Service in the operation that lead to the seizure of a 40-foot container loaded with six hundred and forty four (644) rifles and one hundred and twelve thousand, five hundred (112,500) live ammunition in Port Harcourt.
"This seizure is a testament to the unwavering contributions of the Nigerian Customs Service to protect our nation from the dangers posed by illicit arms. The NCCSALW will ensure that these weapons are property documented and destroyed to prevent them from ever posing a threat to our society."
DIG Kokumo further emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the NCCSALW, the NCS and other security agencies, to effectively combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
The transfer of the intercepted illicit arms marks a significant step in the collaborative efforts between national security agencies to safeguard Nigeria's borders and public safety.
The stated said the intercepted container, identified as MAEU155396, originated from Turkey and was meticulously tracked try the NCS through their robust Risk Management System.
A comprehensive examination of the container revealed that the contents include: 764 unita of Tomahawk Jejer Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles -10 units of Verney Caron Gun makers, Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Riffes, 50 units of Vermey Caron Gunmaker Double Barrel Rifles.
Others are 20 units of Verney Caron Gunmaker Single Barrel Rifles. Exclusive Series, Starling High-Quality Live Ammunition 34g-25 Plastic Shotgun Shells (70MM).
Three suspects have been detained in connection with the seizure, and further investigations are ongoing to ensure that all parties involved are brought to justice.
The arms and ammunition were skillfully concealed within items such as doors, furnitures, plumbing fittings and leather bags. The duty-paid value of the seized container stands at an estimated Four Bilion, One Hundred and Seventy-One Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (#4,171,710,000.001.)
The NCCSALW extends its gratitude to the National Security Adviser for his steadfast support and guidance in the Centre's mission to create a safer Nigeria.
He said the cooperation and intelligence sharing among local, national and international partners were instrumental in the success of the operation.
~2.png)
0 Comments