How shipping firms import illicit firearms into Nigeria – Customs boss

The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Hameed Ali, has lashed out at shipping companies in Nigeria for their roles in the importation of illicit firearms into the country.
Speaking at a meeting with the Nigeria Shippers Council and other stakeholders in the sector, Mr. Ali said it would be difficult for his agency to halt the importations if indicted shipping companies are not sanctioned.
According to Mr. Ali, the only way to nip the act in the bud is through collaboration between the Customs and the shipping firms.
“Let me start with the importation of arms which is the biggest problem we have at the moment,” said Mr. Ali, a retired Colonel.
“As you are aware, from January to September, we have been able to intercept 2,671 pump action rifles between Apapa and Tincan Island ports.
“This has become a cause for concern not only to us Customs but to all Nigerians and, of course, our neighbours because proliferation of small arms may leave Nigeria into other neighbouring countries and become problematic to them.
“For example, in Cameroon, they are facing secession, we believe that some of these arms are meant to be channelled to those who are agitating. Also in Nigeria, we have Boko Haram issue, we have kidnappers and armed robbers.
“Through these arms that came in, I can say we have by the grace of God to intercept this quantity and there is no way I can stand before anybody and say this is all that has come into Nigeria. We are still doing a lot of investigations, hopefully, we will find out what has happened, where these weapons had passed through without being intercepted.”
In January, the Nigeria Customs intercepted 661 pieces of pump-action rifles from Istanbul, Turkey, concealed with steel doors and other merchandise goods which came in through the Lagos port.
Two of the five people charged with the illegal importation pleaded guilty before a federal judge.
Four months later, 440 pieces of pump-action rifles manufactured in the United States and Italy were shipped into the country from Turkey and intercepted at the Tin Can Island port.
In September, another set of 470 pump-action rifles imported from Turkey was intercepted at the Tin Can Island port in Lagos.

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