Customs seizes guns in Lagos container, en route to South-East Nigeria.

According to DailyTrust, The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the interception of a 40-foot container carrying firearms at the Ports and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) and Tin-Can Island Port. The discovery was made during a joint inspection involving Customs, Nigeria Police, the Department of State Security (DSS), and the National Drug Law Enforcement and Administration (NDLEA).

The acting Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, revealed that the find was a result of the dedication of customs officers. During the physical examination of the container on July 5, 2023, it was discovered that 10 dangerous weapons and various rounds of live ammunition were concealed inside plastic drums.

Two individuals, the clearing agent Mr. Shokunbi Olanrewaju of Shooler Global International Ltd and Mr. Joseph Nwadiodor, who was expected to take delivery of the container, have been detained as suspects in connection with the seizure.

In another operation at the Tin-Can Island Port, based on credible intelligence, a 40-foot container underwent a 100% physical examination in the presence of relevant security agencies. This examination revealed 18 firearms, packets of cartridges, and rounds of live ammunition hidden inside plastic drums. The seized firearms included Sar9 Sarsilmaz Pistols, Ruger American Pistol, and Taurus G3c – Bainbridge Pistols.

Additionally, during a routine patrol along the Owode/Ajilete Axis of Ogun State, officers from the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 intercepted an unregistered Toyota Camry loaded with six sacks of charcoal. Further inspection revealed that the vehicle was used to conceal three pump-action rifles along with 174 live cartridges.

Investigations into the seizures are ongoing, and the Customs Service will hand over the outcome of their investigations, as well as the seized items, to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.