The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a 40-foot container filled with various weapons and nine additional containers packed with codeine at Onne Port, Rivers State. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced the seizure during a press conference at Onne, Rivers State, on Monday.
During the briefing, Adeniyi showcased the confiscated weapons and drugs to the media, revealing that the items had been shipped from Turkey. The contraband, concealed within doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags, had a total duty-paid value of N4,171,710,000.
Acting on credible intelligence, the customs agency tracked a suspicious 40-foot container from Turkey on June 21. Upon inspection, officers discovered 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition inside the container.
“This interception underscores our commitment to national security and public safety. We remain vigilant and committed to our duty,” said Adeniyi. He also mentioned that three suspects have been detained in connection with the seizure, and a thorough investigation is underway to ensure all involved face legal consequences.
On June 29, customs officers also intercepted eight 40-foot containers headed for a bonded warehouse from Onne Port. These containers held 1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine, 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol, and 720 bales of used clothes, with a duty-paid value of ₦13,915,710,000.
Adeniyi stated that the container with the arms and ammunition would be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution. He also announced the suspension of licenses and permits for the involved warehouses and terminals, promising severe sanctions for complicit officers.
He acknowledged the crucial support from local and international partners and other government agencies. Adeniyi issued a stern warning to those contemplating similar illegal activities, stating that the NCS would shut them down.
“This seizure serves as a strong warning to others contemplating similar misadventures. We will run you out of business. The NCS continues to demonstrate its dedication to protecting Nigeria’s borders and ensuring the security of its citizens,” Adeniyi declared.