BRIEFING ON THE SEIZURE OF
ARMS BY OFFICERS AND MEN OF NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE, FOU ZONE A, IKEJA
BY THE COMPTROLLER-GENERAL OF CUSTOMS, COL. HAMEED IBRAHIM ALI (Rtd) ON
MONDAY 30TH JAN. 2017
It is my pleasure to brief you on the
recent gains of Nigeria Customs Service anti-smuggling operations. On
Sunday 22nd January 2017, the Roving Team of the NCS Federal Operations
Unit while on information patrol intercepted a Mack truck with
registration number BDG 265 XG conveying a 1x40ft Container with Number:
PONU/825914/3 along Mile 2 Apapa road
The truck was immediately
taken to the premises of FOU Zone A, Ikeja where Physical examination
revealed 49 boxes containing a total number of 661 pieces of pump action
rifles concealed with steal doors and other merchandize goods
These
Rifles are under absolute prohibition; therefore its importation is
illegal. Such deadly contravention of the law is even more unacceptable
considering the fragile security situation in some parts of the country.
Already three suspects have been arrested in connection with this illegal importation. They are:
Mr. Oscan Okafor (Importer) age 51
Mr. Mahmud Hassan (Clearing Agent) age 56
Mr. Sadique Mustapha (accompanying the consignment to its destination) age 28.
Investigation
has already commenced and I have directed that the drag net should be
wide enough to fish out all persons involved in the importation and
clearing of the consignment. Already, the Officers involved in the
clearance of this container are with the Comptroller FOU Zone ‘A’ Ikeja.
This
seizure underscores the determination of the Service to enforce all
laws relating to importation and exportation of goods into and out of
Nigeria thereby contributing to the economy, security and wellbeing of
the Country.
This feat is no doubt commendable and represents the
new normal in the service where most Officers and Men are on a daily
basis ensuring that illegalities are not allowed unchecked. I commend
the Comptroller, all Officers and Men involved in this great seizure.
Let
me seize this opportunity to call on all well meaning Nigerians to
support the service with information that could assist the Service
perform their statutory responsibilities in the interest of our father
land.
