By Godwin Oritse

THE Port and Terminal Multipurpose Services Limited, PTML, Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, yesterday, intercepted arms and ammunition concealed  in one of the two vehicles loaded into a container.

The Command’s Comptroller, Mr. Taju Olarewaju disclosed that the container was shipped in from the United States, adding that a suspect, who is the clearing agent to the importer, has also been arrested.

Speaking to newsmen Olarewaju said one Smith and Wesson short gun, one Bushnel Sniper rifle, a revolver and two empty magazines were found inside GMC Jeep upon examination of the container.

He explained that Nigeria is currently experiencing  security challenges and the Command is therefore  determined to ensure that  containers that get to the terminal are thoroughly examined before being  allowed to leave the port.

The Command boss further explained that the agent only declared the vehicles in the container as a GMC and Chrysler without declaring the arms and that such items are highly regulated and prohibited .

The container with number PONU 807808 has been detained pending investigation while the vehicles have also been seized for breaking import regulations.

Olarewaju also disclosed that the agent has made a statement adding that after its investigation, the items will be handed over to the relevant government agency.

His words “ Upon examination of a container that contains vehicles, Customs Officers in the Command  discovered arms and ammunition in the vehicle.

“As part of our security functions, these are arms and ammunition  that will not be regarded as normal imports that will be allowed to go with vehicles.

“Upon this discovery, we suspended the clearance of the container which the agent had commenced because we found other items that were not declared.

“So we detained the container, we detained the items in the container because of their security implications, we also detained the clearing agent and the importer is yet to be found”.

He however warned smugglers to steer clear of the Command as any prohibited item will be uncovered and any body caught will be dealt with accordingly.