The Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a significant seizure of arms, ammunition and illicit drugs imported into the country by criminal elements.
Among the seized items were 11 rifles, six pistols, and various other weapons.
Comptroller Dera Nnadi, speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, on Friday credited the successful recovery of illicit drugs like Colorado, cannabis indica, and heroin to collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He told journalist that: “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 PTO19922 Rifle; another 20P 992 Rifle; two AV Pump Action Rifle; and yet another P10115 Rifle.
“In total, we seized 11 Rifles and six Pistols from different containers imported into the country at different times.
“In addition to these, the command in recent times also made yet another seizure of psychotropic substances imported into the country but through the collaboration of our partner agency – the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), they were intercepted.
“Based on this collaboration, several kilogrammes of cannabis indica have been seized. The latest seizure was 23 packages containing 23 Kilograms of heroine was seen in a container, the identity of which we are still keeping secret because investigation is still ongoing.
“Let me also state that our resolve to make these seizures is to further support the government’s efforts to keep the nation safe. As we are all aware, the conveyors of these products intend to use them for nefarious activities that include support to insurgents, kidnapping activities and other vices that are inimical to the well-being and security of our nation.”
Nnadi emphasized that due to an ongoing investigation, the source of the arms and ammunition would not be disclosed at this time.
Detailing the Command’s anti-smuggling endeavors, Nnadi reported various seizures, including rifles and pistols from different containers imported at different times.
Additionally, he said recent joint efforts with the NDLEA led to the interception of psychotropic substances, including several kilograms of cannabis indica and 23 kilograms of heroin found in a container, the details of which remain confidential due to the ongoing investigation.
Nnadi reiterated the Customs’ commitment to supporting government efforts in maintaining national security, as the seized items could potentially fuel insurgent support, kidnapping activities, and other detrimental actions.
In terms of revenue generation, Nnadi revealed that the Command had exceeded expectations, collecting over N240 billion between January and March 2024, surpassing the monthly revenue target of N94 billion.
“For the first two months and 14 days of this year, the Tin Can Customs Command has been able to generate N240,302,000,000.00. This is what we have generated from January to today, 15th of March, 2024.
“If you recall, our revenue target on a monthly basis is N94billion. What this means is that we have been able to surpass our expected revenue target of N188billion for January and February.
“By way of percentage, we have surpassed our January revenue target by 107 percent and also surpassed our February target by 141 percent. I will not give you the percentage for March because we are still in the middle of March,” he said.
