Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
Customs intercepts container loaded with arms, ammunition at port complex
Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island command, Saturday, have intercepted a 40ft container loaded with arms and ammunition.
Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Uche Ejesieme, who disclosed this in a statement, said the container was intercepted on Friday in one of the port’s terminals during routine examination.
It was also learnt that the owner of the container had allegedly declared its content as plasma televisions, but on inspection was found to contain cartons packed with guns.
Ejesieme added that the container of guns was discovered during a routine examination at terminal B2 (Vehicle) of the TICT.
“The officers intercepted a container loaded with weapons, but as we speak, what we have done as a command is that we have written to the terminal to evacuate the container immediately to enforcement unit for 100 per cent examination so that we can actually ascertain the quantity and other relevant information.
“So, as we speak, we expect the terminal to evacuate the container to the enforcement unit where we intend to strip it, and the quantity, names of people involved and other further information would be available,” he said.
Continuing, the Customs spokesman added: “Following this development, the command intimated the terminal operators and requested that the suspected container be transferred to our enforcement unit for 100 per cent examination.
“Following, we will communicate officially to the customs management as well our zonal coordinator in line with service protocol,” he said.
