l run you out of business” – Customs tells importers of arms, drugs of over N13bn at Onne

– Says 3 suspects in detention

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, while announcing the seizures of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition and drugs at the Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne on Monday said his men will put importers and terminals into such importation out of business.

These significant strides he said are aimed at securing the nation’s borders and ensure public safety.

Adeniyi while recounting a recent operation where a 40-foot container originating from Turkey, marked MAEU165396, was flagged for inspection due to several risk factors.

According to the customs boss, the inspection result revealed that eight hundred and forty-four (844) units of rifles one hundred and twelve thousand, five hundred (112,500) pieces of live ammunition were concealed among doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags, with a total duty-paid value of ₦4,171,710,000.00.
The CGC stated, “This interception underscores our commitment to national security and public safety. We remain vigilant and committed to our duty. Three suspects have been detained in connection with the seizure, with a thorough investigation underway to ensure all involved face legal consequences.”

“1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine, 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol Tablets, worth N9.6bn. Two containers laden with 720 bales of used clothes With Duty-paid value of ₦13,915,710,000.00.
Speaking further, Adeniyi said the licences and permits issued for the operation of all the Warehouses and Terminals as well as those of their Customs Agents involved in the cases have been suspended pending the determination of their involvement.

Customs Officers found complicit in the perpetration of the nefarious act would be heavily sanctioned in a manner that would be approved by the Board of the Nigeria Customs Service.

“In the same vein, he said officers who kept faith with the Oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and refused to be bribed into releasing these containers will be adequately rewarded in a manner provided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

“Let me warmly commend the professional commitment of the Customs Area Comptroller Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede and through him his Officers and Men, for the meticulous approach deployed to this operation. I also acknowledge our various partners, local and international who provided us the much needed information to successfully prosecute this operation.

“Finally, this seizure serves as a strong warning to others who may be contemplating similar misadventures, my message to them is simple; we will run you out of business. The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of our beloved nation,” CG Adeniyi concluded.