NCS uncovers arms, ammunitions concealed in containers

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port, Apapa, Lagos, has uncovered two separate containers with arms and ammunitions concealed in them.

The containers which are personal effect containers were said have come into the country from the United States of America on November 29, 2016, but upon re-examination on the 30th it was discovered to have concealed the prohibited items.

Reading out the items recovered in the two containers during a press briefing at the command yesterday, the Area Controller, Comptroller Bashar Yusuf said, “The first Container had a Toyota Corolla car, 2004 model with chassis number 2DIBR32E54C30984. Two magazines with 10 live rounds of Hornady 40 X & W were discovered upon thorough search. No suspect has been arrested in connection with the discovered items.”

On the second seizure, the Area Controller said, “also in another vessel which had come in with one 2007 used Nissan Amada with chassis number 5NIAA08A69N709779, some prohibited items were also neatly concealed.  They are: one piece of military bullet proof vest, one military helmet with rain proof, one set of military gas mask with two spare glasses, one piece of Pistol punch, one piece of riffle punch,  two pairs of military booth, 26 packs of military ready made food, 7500 pieces of premier hollow point (air gun pallets),  one Omani American tactical riffle with S/No.  AR48634, one Masters American Pump Action with S/No. U648018, one pair of camouflage wears and a jacket.”

One suspect identified as Christian Mbachi,  a cousin to the importer has been arrested in connection with the seized prohibited items.

The recovered items as well as the suspect were handed over to the Department of State Security represented by the Director of the Service, Tincan chapter, Mr. Julius Odey for due diligence and further investigation.

Comptroller Bashar advised those in the Diaspora to import only those items that can better the society rather than bringing in things that are detrimental to societal peace and general good.

He said, “I have always applied the principles of everyone being a suspect in dealing with individual daily cargoes.  This to me is the core of the 21st century Nigeria Customs Service.  It is as a result of this that I have advised my men to treat all cargo uniquely and do a thorough search to ensure we don’t endanger the lives of our brothers and sisters.

“We must all come together to safeguard our country. I really wonder why people can’t import machines that can help produce some basic things in this country.  They can even import electric blenders to help ease the stress of our women in the kitchen.

“Why would a holder of the green passport import things that will cause us pain and havoc?  This should not be encouraged. People should be educated on items that are absolutely prohibited.”

The Area Controller called on all importers to comply with the law of the land as the command was prepared to nip in the bud any attempt to violate the Customs law or use the Port to perpetrate any criminal act.