BEVERLY HILLS, September 11, (THEWILL) – Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Retired Col. Hameed Ali on Monday disclosed that Tin-Can Island Command of the NCS has intercepted 1,100 rifles which were imported into the country from Turkey under false declaration.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos on Monday, the Comptroller-General, CG, pointed out that the seizure was the third interception of ammunition at Lagos ports within nine months.
He said, “As you may already be aware, the two previous cases are 661 Pump Action Rifles from Apapa Command and 440 rifles from this command.
“The 20 ft container No GESU 2555208 was intercepted on Sept . 7 during examination, while the Bill of Lading falsely indicated wash
hand basins and water closets.
“An officer of the service alleged to have authorised the cutting of the seal and the terminal clerk have been arrested and are undergoing investigation.
“NCS under my leadership will do all possible to fish out all those remotely connected with this devilish importation. We shall bring them to justice.”
Ali stated that the NCS would meet with the World Customs Organisation, WCO, and Foreign Affairs Ministry to stop illegal importation of ammunition.
He said that the service would not only pursue the agents but would also go after the shippers and terminal operators who took custody of the consignments.
The CG went on to commend operatives of the Customs Intelligence Unit, CIU, for discovering the rifles in spite of the false declaration.
