The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons has taken possession of a 40-foot container loaded with illicit arms and ammunition seized by the Nigerian Customs Service.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Strategic Communications and Information, NCCSALW, Group Capt. Pius Okwuego, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Okwuego said the operation by the NCS resulted in the seizure of a 40-foot container loaded with 844 rifles and 112,500 live ammunition in Port Harcourt.

He said the intercepted container, identified as MAEU165396, came from Turkey and was meticulously tracked by the NCS through their robust risk management system.

According to him, the comprehensive examination of the container revealed the following contents: 764 units of Tomahawk Jojef Magnum black pump action rifles.

“It also contained 10 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum silver pump action rifles and 50 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker double barrel rifles.

“The content also includes 20 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker single barrel rifles, Exclusive Series, Sterling high-quality live ammunition (34 g), and 25 plastic shotgun shells (70 mm). These arms and ammunition were skillfully concealed within items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags. The duty-paid value of the seized container stands at an estimated N4.17 billion,’’ he said.

The NCCSALW spokesman said that three suspects had been detained in connection with the seizure, adding that further investigations were ongoing to ensure that those involved were prosecuted.

He said the NCS officially handed over the seized arms and ammunition to the NCCSALW in Port Harcourt.

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

The national coordinator of NCCSALW, DIG Johnson Kokumo (retd), expressed appreciation to the NCS for its role in the operation.

Mr Kokumo said the seizure was a testament to the contributions of the NCS to protect the nation from the dangers posed by illicit arms.

He gave assurance that the centre would ensure that the weapons were properly documented and destroyed to prevent them from posing a threat to society.

He also emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between the NCCSALW and NCS, as well as other security agencies, to effectively combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

“The NCCSALW extends its gratitude to the National Security Adviser for his steadfast support and guidance in the centre’s mission to create a safer Nigeria. The cooperation and intelligence sharing among local, national, and international partners were instrumental in the success of this operation,’’ he said.

(NAN)