Adeniyi: Scale, Sophistication of Syndicate Behind Illegal Arms Importation Alarming
ARMS ON DISPLAY AFTER SEIZURE.. Credit Maritime Executive Online..
By Francis Ugwoke
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Wale Adeniyi, has described as alarming the scale and sophistication of the syndicate behind importation of illegal arms and ammunition into the country.
Adeniyi who spoke in Lagos disclosed that the Service has in the past six years intercepted 20 containers of sophisticated arms and ammunition brought into the country illegally.
The 20 containers made up of 10,498 pieces different types of arms as well as 114,929 pieces of ammunition worth N9.58bn, he said, were seized between 2018 and this year.
According to him, these figures not only highlight the intensification of the efforts of the Service but equally reveal the “evolving tactics employed by smugglers attempting to breach our borders”.
Adeniyi disclosed that it was in response to these seizures that forced the Service to declare a state of emergency, “particularly following significant seizures of restricted goods, including pharmaceuticals and medicaments”.
The Customs boss was quoted saying, “The intricate connections between these diverse smuggling activities and the networks facilitating them are now the primary focus of our strategic operations, such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting.
“These, among other initiatives, represent the multifaceted approach adopted by NCS to fortify our operations and safeguard Nigeria’s health and security interests.
“Of particular concern is the alarming rise in wildlife trafficking, which not only threatens our biodiversity but also tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation.
“The illegal trade in endangered species, especially pangolin scales, has positioned Nigeria as a key transit point in the global wildlife trafficking network.”
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Wale Adeniyi, has described as alarming the scale and sophistication of the syndicate behind importation of illegal arms and ammunition into the country.
Adeniyi who spoke in Lagos disclosed that the Service has in the past six years intercepted 20 containers of sophisticated arms and ammunition brought into the country illegally.
The 20 containers made up of 10,498 pieces different types of arms as well as 114,929 pieces of ammunition worth N9.58bn, he said, were seized between 2018 and this year.
According to him, these figures not only highlight the intensification of the efforts of the Service but equally reveal the “evolving tactics employed by smugglers attempting to breach our borders”.
Adeniyi disclosed that it was in response to these seizures that forced the Service to declare a state of emergency, “particularly following significant seizures of restricted goods, including pharmaceuticals and medicaments”.
The Customs boss was quoted saying, “The intricate connections between these diverse smuggling activities and the networks facilitating them are now the primary focus of our strategic operations, such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting.
“These, among other initiatives, represent the multifaceted approach adopted by NCS to fortify our operations and safeguard Nigeria’s health and security interests.
“Of particular concern is the alarming rise in wildlife trafficking, which not only threatens our biodiversity but also tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation.
“The illegal trade in endangered species, especially pangolin scales, has positioned Nigeria as a key transit point in the global wildlife trafficking network.”
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