- The Nigerian Customs Service seized illegal arms and military equipment worth N1.5 billion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport
- Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi reported that the items, linked to Nigerians in Turkey, included drones, ballistic vests, and badges
The Nigerian Customs Service has seized illegal arms, military equipment, and drones worth N1.5 billion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, informed the media that this seizure followed a similar one in Rivers State two days prior. The items were traced back to Nigerians based in Turkey.
Adeniyi explained, “Recent seizures indicate that Nigerians in Turkey are buying, packaging, and exporting these illegal arms to Nigeria. They are trying new methods, but all our Commands are alert to stop illegal arms importation.”
He displayed military and paramilitary gear, including 148 drones, 172 ballistic vests, 15 ballistic plates, 1 ballistic helmet, 8 walkie-talkies, and 9,172 military and paramilitary badges. The total duty-paid value of these items is N1.5 billion.
Using the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, 55 unassembled JOJEF MAGNUM semi-automatic shotguns and concealed items were seized. Adeniyi stated that the seized items would be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution.
He added, “The suspect will be handed to the centre for further processing. The Service will collaborate with other government agencies to apprehend all involved in this illegal importation.”
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