Customs hands over N4bn worth of seized weapons to arms centre for destruction

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons has announced that it will destroy the large quantity of seized arms and ammunition, estimated to be worth N4 billion, once the necessary documentation procedures are completed.

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons has acknowledged the transfer of the seized arms and ammunition from the Nigerian Customs Service and has assumed responsibility for their custody and destruction.

In a recent operation, the Nigerian Customs Service made a significant seizure at the Port Harcourt port, intercepting a 40-foot container carrying a large consignment of weapons, including 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition.

The arms and ammunition were said to have been skillfully concealed within items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings and leather bags.

The intercepted container was also reported to have originated from Turkey and its duty-paid value was put at N4bn.

In a statement on Monday, the centre’s Director, Strategic Communications and Information, Group Captain Pius Okwuego, said the handing over of the seized weapons was done in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

“The Nigerian Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, officially handed over the seized arms and ammunition to the NCCSALW today in Port Harcourt.

“This transfer is a significant step in the collaborative efforts between national
security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and public safety,” the statement read.

Okwuego reported that DIG Johnson Kokumo (retd.), the National Coordinator of the Centre, has announced that the confiscated weapons will be destroyed to prevent them from becoming a menace to society.

“This seizure is a testament to the
unwavering contributions of the Nigerian Customs Service to protect our
nation from the dangers posed by illicit arms. The NCCSALW will ensure
that these weapons are properly documented and destroyed to prevent
them from ever posing a threat to our society,” Kokumo was quoted as saying.