SAN FRANCISCO, September 27, (THEWILL) – The House of Representatives has summoned the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Department of State Service (DSS) to brief it on the influx of small arms and light weapons into the country.
This was sequel to a motion under Matters of Public Importance by Hon Obinna Chidoka (Anambra-PDP) on Wednesday to ascertain the causes of the influx and how to stop it.
THEWILL recalls that the Customs had on four occasions this year intercepted firearms, totalling 2,671 pieces, smuggled into the country since January.
Chidoka, in his motion, said that the seizure in January was intercepted by the Customs after it had been purportedly checked and certified freed adding that the firearms had left the premises of the port when it was tracked down after a tip-off.
He said that the invitation would enable the relevant agencies inform the House on how to curb the menace.
“The recent firearms seizure, which is the second this month and fourth in 2017 would appear to suggest that the syndicate behind the firearms has stepped up its nefarious trade,” he argued.
“This has far-reaching consequences for our dear nation, as firearms and light weapons are the lifeblood of organised crimes and criminality.
“The influx has confirmed the recent report by the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, which identified Nigeria as a destination of choice for smugglers of small arms and light weapons.”
The motion was unanimously adopted when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.
