By AISHA COLE

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 1,599 assorted arms and 2,298 live cartridges to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCOSALW).

The Comptroller General of NCS, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, handed over the items at the Customs Federal Operation Unit Zone ?A? on Thursday, in Lagos.

Adeniyi said that they were seized in 2018 in three containers at the Tin can Island Port.

He noted that hand-over ceremony demonstrated the NCS?s commitment to protecting national borders and maintaining public safety.

He added that the Service would spare no resource in hunting down, exposing, and prosecuting anyone who attempts to compromise the nation?s national security through arms trafficking.

The Customs boss explained that the handover of the weapons to the NCCSALW symbolised the Service?s commitment to proper disposal of seized arms and highlighted its resolve to rid the nation of illegal weapons.

He commended the professionalism and courage of the NCS officers involved in the seizures, as well as the Forensics Unit for their role in securing convictions.

?Today?s handover encompasses a total of 1,599 assorted arms and 2,298 live cartridges recovered from these operations, between 2018 till date, totalling 3,897.

?In May 2018, the Service intercepted a significant cache of arms consisting of 440 pump action rifles and accessories, ingeniously concealed within 516 bags of Plaster of Paris (POP) cement in a 1x20ft container with number PONU210024/1.

? This seizure coincided with heightened security challenges from armed bandits in the North-West and illegal arms proliferation in the South-East.

?This reveals the linkage between transnational smuggling networks and our domestic security challenges.

?Through sustained intelligence operations, we intercepted two additional containers ? CMAU 189817/8 and GESU 255208/1 at Tin-Can Island Port, similarly concealing arms and ammunition among sanitary wares,? Adeniyi said.

He said that following the seizure, forensics were deployed to conduct detailed electronic analysis of customs documentation and shipping records.

?Through established diplomatic channels, we partnered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the Turkish Embassy, leading to definitive identification of the purchasing company.

?The investigation trail, supported by financial records obtained through court orders, enabled us to establish the identities of those behind this illegal arms shipment.

?Through strategic inter-agency cooperation, particularly with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, we successfully prosecuted the case (Suit No: FHC/L/339C/2018) before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

?The defendants Great James Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeuwa Moses Christ, and Emeka Umeh Festus A.K.A (Amankwa) were convicted on eight count charges.

?This prosecution success reinforces the Service?s zero-tolerance stance against arms trafficking and validates the effectiveness of our judicial collaboration,? he added.

Adeniyi said that the successful prosecution of those involved in the illegal arms shipments reinforced the NCS?s zero-tolerance stance against arms trafficking.

He noted that the Service would spare no resource in hunting down, exposing, and prosecuting anyone who attempts to compromise the national security through arms trafficking.

?We stand ready to deploy our full arsenal of intelligence and enforcement capabilities to protect legitimate trade while ensuring Nigeria?s security interests remain paramount,? he said.

In his remarks, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, while receiving the items said the Centre would take all necessary measures, in line with relevant conventions and best practices, to permanently remove these weapons from circulation.

Ribadu, represented by the NCCSALW?s Director-General, Mr Babatunde Kokumo, assured that the weapons would be treated in accordance with international conventions, as Nigeria was a signatory to the ECOWAS convention.

The NSA noted that since its establishment in May 2021, the centre had spearheaded multi-stakeholder initiatives to curb the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that President Bola Tinubu had signed the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 into law on June 4 2024.

Ribadu said this swift legislative action underscores the President?s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and tranquillity in the country and demonstrated the premium he placed on national security for all Nigerians.

The NSA said the President?s leadership and support had mitigated threats such as terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, pipeline vandalism, and other challenges to its national peace and stability in the country.

Ribadu commended all officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service for their loyalty and tireless efforts, which led to achieving the critical interceptions.

?I also wish to appreciate the leadership of all other arms-bearing and security agencies for their dedicated cooperation as we continue to press forward.

?As we mark yet another milestone in our relentless fight against illicit small arms and light weapons, I urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant and continue our collaborative efforts.

?Together, in our unified commitment, we can ensure that Nigeria remains resilient against the scourge of unlawful weaponry and that our communities are safeguarded for future generations,? he said.(NAN)

?PHOTO: A picture of 3,897 rifles and cartridges handed over at Federal Operation Unit Zone ?A? on Thursday to National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCOSALW)

Update news