Ex – Lawmaker Tackles Customs Over Hidden Identity Of Importers Linked To Arms Import

Former Kaduna central lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has urged the Nigeria Customs Service to disclose the identities of those behind the importation of 844 rifles, 112,500 live ammunition to Onne seaports in Rivers State.

In a tweet on Monday, July 1, Sani commended Customs authorities for the seizure.

The ex lawmaker tasked management of the service to disclose the names of the chief importers and not to parade the crew of the ship.

Sani noted that:“The interception of illegally imported arms & ammunition by the Customs is commendable. In a country infested by terrorists, thousands of lives are saved.

“Next is to publicly disclose the identity of the chief importer and not just parade the crew of the ship,” Sani wrote.

Industry observers have expressed dissatisfaction for customs failure to unveiling the names of suspects, shipping companies and terminals involved in the chain of logistics.

DAILY FOCUS NIGERIA reports that operatives of the service intercepted a container from Turkey containing 844 rifles and 112,500 live ammunition.

The service arrested three suspects who are currently in custody.

It also noted that thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure all those involved face the full wrath of the law.

Adeniyi, said :’These seizures result from our robust Risk Management System and collaboration with intelligence communities both locally and internationally.

The container bearing the arms and ammunition will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution. Licenses and permits of warehouses and terminals involved have been suspended, and officers found complicit will face severe sanctions,” said Adeniyi.

The arms and ammunition include 764 units of Tomahawk Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles; 10 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Rifles, 50 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Double Barrel Rifles, 20 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Single Barrel Rifles, Exclusive Series, and Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition.