The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) command of the Nigeria Customs Service has impounded a 40-foot container carrying 1398 rolls of military uniforms. The uniforms were imported from China.
Two suspects; a clearing agent, and a representative of the importer have also been arrested and detained in connection with the seizure.
While handing over the seizure and the suspects to the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Port Express bonded terminal along Apapa-Oshodi expressway in Lagos yesterday, Customs Area Controller of KLT command, Comptroller Lami Wushishi said that the military uniforms were concealed with 200 rolls of polyester materials and 150 rolls of thread.
A breakdown of the seized uniforms includes; 732 rolls of plain army uniform and 666 camouflage used by the military Joint Task Force (JTF).
Wushishi noted that military uniforms are regulated items which as a result are exempted from payment of duty. She however said that a federal government permit is required before such items could be imported.
She said that the 40- foot container was manifested as polyester materials but on examination by officers of the command, the military uniforms were discovered.
"On examination of the container, we saw the polyester materials quite alright, but 3quater of the container had military uniforms concealed in it"
"We have 732 rolls of plain army uniform and 666 camouflage for the JTF they were all concealed in a one by forty foot container"
"Due to the security nature of the country, this is not the time for such consignment to come in. Moreover, army uniform are exempted from payment of duty under schedule 2 of items exempted from duty payments. So it beats our imagination why would they conceal army uniforms if they dont have ulterior motives"
"Military uniforms and paramilitary wears or anything that has to do with security of this nation are regulated and you need to have a permit before importing it" she said
The Customs Controller noted that due to the robust collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and other government agencies, the command has handed over the uniforms to the DSS for further information.
According to her, polyester material is not contraband, and the importer has already paid his duty on the container before the uniforms were discovered.
She charged importers doing business at KLT Command to always ensure proper declaration of their cargoes.
She noted that the revenue drive of the KLT customs command has improved as it has already surpassed its revenue target.
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