The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Tincan Island Ports Command, Apapa,  Comptroller Eporwei Edike, has condemned illegal importation of arms into the country. This was sequel to the interception of arms and ammunition during physical examination of imported goods recently by the Command.

Edike said the ammunition were impounded in Ports and Cargo Harbour Terminals, by a team of officers during physical examination of cargo. He said: “That is the reason we always insist on 100 per cent physical examination, notwithstanding the fact that some goods pass through the scanning machines.

The officers on duty were able to detect the offensive items due to their vigilance and dedication to work during the examination exercise within the ports. The CGC has given us strict instructions to be at alert to watch out on the types of goods coming into the country.

Also, we ensure that every cargo meant for physical examination must be thoroughly done. Our attention and eyes are up, sharp watching to ensure that there are no lapses in our operations”.

“The agent arrested in connection with the arms, said he does not know the importer’s house or office, that the job was contracted to him by another person. Notwithstanding, through him, we must get to the root of the whole thing. Investigation into the matter is on-going and would reveal his accomplices.

We are sending a very clear message that Tincan Command is a no go area for anyone who wants to indulge in smuggling, not to talk of importing arms and ammunition, or anything capable of breaching security in the country. Also, we are advising the importers to desist from making false declaration, as this could hinder smooth clearance of containers from the ports.

If the Importers are giving us correct declaration, we could clear a container within a day and that would save time and at the same time enhance trade facilitation for more revenue generation”.

The CAC, who frowned at the illegal business of arms importation, explained that the ammunition were concealed in Range Rover and Explorer jeeps in a 40 foot container, which was not declared, because the culprits wanted to escape security checks. “We are warning those behind the importation of offensive goods into our economic environment to desist from it and allow sanity to reign in our business environment”, he warned.

Edike, who did not disclose the details of their new method of operations, said his Command has re-strategised operations within the ports to meet up with the emerging challenges, even as some officers are positioned at strategic areas to monitor activities and movement of people within the ports.

“We have re-structured our operations and stepped up surveillance in the ports to curb illegal business activities in all ramifications. From the entrance of the ports, we have sent away the traders coming to cause problems for us. The ports environment is not Oshodi or Alaba markets where traders go on daily basis to do businesses”, he maintained.

The arms seizure led to the arrest of an agent who has been detained. The CAC explained that the items were of the United States of America Marines, saying that arms, though in small quantity, were of security concern and pose serious threat.

“All seizures are beyond ordinary and we must not wait until a container load of arms is seen before we make seizure. Only one gun is enough to cause harm to many people in the society. Also, the items seized were not official because they did not come with permits”, he stated.