Nigeria Customs Seize N13.9 Billion Arms Cache at Onne Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the seizure of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs at Onne Port in Rivers State. The seized items, which included 844 rifles, 112,500 pieces of live ammunition, and various drugs, have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N13.9 billion.

The seizure was made following a thorough examination of a container originating from Turkey. The container was found to contain a large number of rifles and ammunition, as well as cough syrup with codeine, Sildenafil Citrate tablets, and deluxe chilly cutter. The items were concealed in the container and were in violation of the revised import prohibition guidelines and the NCS Act.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, stated that the seizure was the result of intelligence gathering and collaboration with local and international partners. He emphasized that the items would be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution.

In addition to the arms and ammunition, the Customs also seized 2×40 feet containers laden with 2,625 cartons of cough syrup codeine, 80 cartons of Sildenafil Citrate tablets, and 40 cartons of deluxe chilly cutter. The total Duty Paid Value of the seized items is N13.9 billion.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Muhammed Babandede, commended the professional commitment of the officers of the command and local and international partners for their role in the successful operation. He also announced the suspension of the licenses and permits of warehouses and terminals involved in the illicit importation.

The seizure comes at a time of political crisis in Rivers State, where former governor and Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike and current Governor Siminialayi Fubara are engaged in a power struggle. The situation has led to protests, demonstrations, and the closure of local government council secretariats in the state.

The Customs Service has been actively combating smuggling and illegal importation in recent years. In 2023, the Tin-Can Island Command of the NCS announced the seizure of a cache of arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs imported into the country. The seized items included military camouflage and illicit drugs such as colorado, heroine, and cocaine.