The Nigeria Customs Service has seized 661 pieces of pump-action rifles from China, concealed with steel doors and other merchandise goods, which came in through Lagos port, Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali said on Monday.
According to Ali, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), while on patrol, intercepted a Mark truck with registration number BUG 265 XG conveying a 40ft container with number; PONU/825914/3 along Mile 2-Apapa Road, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the consignment was cleared from Lagos port.
The comptroller-general said the truck was immediately taken to FOU premises for physical examination and 49 boxes containing 661 pieces of pump-action rifles concealed with steel doors were revealed.
Ali said the rifles were under absolute prohibition, adding that its importation was illegal.
The suspects are Oscan Okafor (an importer), Mahmud Haruna (a clearing agent), and Sadique Mustapha (accompanying the consignment to its destination).
He said customs officers who were involved in the clearance of the containers were in the custody of Comptroller Mahmud Haruna of FOU Zone “A”.
Ali said that the seizure underscored the determination of the service to enforce all laws relating to importation and exportation of goods into and out the country thereby contributing to the economy, security and well-being of the country.
The comptroller-general said that the seizure was commendable and represented the new normal rule in the service “where most officers and men are on a daily basis ensuring that illegalities are not allowed unchecked.”
He said the seizure would be handed over to the appropriate authority.
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