The Nigeria Customs Service (Tin Can Island Port command), Lagos have intercepted a large quantity of assorted arms, ammunition, heroine, cannabis, amongst others, in their renewed efforts to curb illicit imports into the country.
Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Deira Nnadi, who disclosed this at a press conference on Friday, said the seizures included 12 rifles pump action guns, six pistols including semi-automatic arms and pepper spray guns, heroine, cannabis, military vests, among others.
Nnadi, who later handed over the seizures to representatives of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said the feat was made possible by his command’s collaboration with the other relevant agencies in checking illegal imports
Also giving a breakdown of the activities of the command during the year so far, the Customs chief said that it generated N240 billion during the first two months up to the 15th March 2024.
According to him, “the command’s anti-smuggling drive has yielded the following results: one 20P 9964 rifle; another 20P 9964 rifle; one pump action rifle; one practical tactical 30H 80019922 rifle; another 20P 992 rifle; two AV pump action rifle; and yet another P10115 rifle. In total, we seized 12 rifles and six pistols from different containers imported into the country at different times.
“We also seized psychotropic substances imported into the country but were intercepted through collaboration with the NDLEA. Based on this collaboration, several kilograms of cannabis indica has been seized. In recent time, we have also seized 23 packages containing 23 kilograms of heroin concealed in a container, the identity of which we sre still keeping secret due to ongoing investigation.
“Our revenue target monthly is N94 billion. Our revenue performance so far in 2024 means that we have been able to surpass the expected revenue for the two months that have passed. I wish to commend all port stakeholders who have been responsible for the collection of this duty and also congratulate the Customs officers at the Tin Can Island Port.
“In January 2024, the command surpassed its revenue target by 107 per cent and the February the target was also surpassed by 141 per cent . So, we consistently keep improving”.
He also commended the federal government for opening the Tin Can/Mile 2 port access roads, pointing out that the output of the port would be enhanced with greater efficiency and speedy cargo evacuation.
While receiving the seized psychotropic substances, the NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, Commander Mohammed Abubakar extolled the partnership with Customs and observed that some of the narcotic seizures were linked to the arms.
He hinted that a syndicate operating within the West and Central African region is linked to the seizures, and advised freight agents to do proper profiling of their clients in order to avoid being conduits for arms and hard drugs influx into the country.
