Just days after a significant seizure of arms and ammunition at Onne port in Port Harcourt, the Nigeria Customs Service has uncovered another troubling discovery.
This time at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command in Lagos, authorities intercepted a new cache of illicit arms, including drones and military equipment.
According to Customs Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, enhanced intelligence and collaborative efforts led to this latest interception. The illicit shipment, originating from Turkey, is part of a concerning trend of increased imports of arms, ammunition, drugs, and other prohibited items across Nigeria.
Questions are arising about the involvement of a well-organized cartel behind these illegal activities. The Customs comptroller-general emphasized that the surge in arms smuggling is particularly alarming amidst Nigeria’s current security challenges and rising criminal activities. He warned of severe sanctions for those involved.
The seized contraband was handed over to a representative from the National Security Agency.
Comptroller Michael Awe and officers of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command were praised for their role in intercepting the illegal shipment.
With each interception adding to the list of seized contraband, there is increasing demand for heightened scrutiny at all entry points into Nigeria. The goal is to prevent such dangerous cargoes from reaching their destinations within the country.
