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Tag: Lagos port

  • NPA deploys electronic barrier system to end truck diversion at Lagos port

    NPA deploys electronic barrier system to end truck diversion at Lagos port

    As part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and improve traffic management within the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has successfully implemented the installation of Electronic Barrier Systems at all Terminal access points within the Port.

    The General Manager, Corporate & Strategic Communications of NPA, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the initiative follows extensive consultations with key Stakeholders aimed at addressing the persistent issue of unauthorised truck diversions, which have adversely impacted Terminal efficiency, traffic flow, and overall port productivity.

    To ensure seamless coordination and transparency in truck movements, the electronic barriers have been fully integrated with the Eto Electronic Call-Up System, managed by Messrs. Trucks Transit Parks Ltd (TTP).

    This integration, he said, guarantees that only trucks with valid Eto-issued call-up tickets are granted access to Terminal facilities, thereby eliminating unauthorized entries and enhancing gate control operations.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Customs seize N10bn worth of contraband, arms, drugs at Lagos Port

    “We are pleased to announce that as of Monday, 1st September 2025, all Terminals within the Lagos Port Complex will commence full live operations using the Integrated Electronic Barrier System.

    This milestone, Onyemekara said, “Represents a significant advancement in the Authority’s drive for enhanced automation and modernisation of port infrastructure in Nigeria and reflects the Authority’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business Agenda, promoting transparency and accountability, enhancing Port operational efficiency and strengthening truck traffic management.”

    The Nigerian Ports Authority appreciates the cooperation of all stakeholders throughout the processes preceding this development and remains committed to deploying innovative solutions that improve service delivery and foster a more efficient, secure, and business-friendly port environment, strengthening its vision of becoming the hub for maritime logistics and sustainable port services in Africa.

  • BREAKING: Customs seize N10bn worth of contraband, arms, drugs at Lagos Port

    BREAKING: Customs seize N10bn worth of contraband, arms, drugs at Lagos Port

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 16 containers loaded with prohibited items, including firearms, ammunition, military gear, and fake drugs, worth N10 billion at the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa.

    Speaking to journalists in Lagos yesterday, Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi said the seizures included two pump-action rifles, 25 cartridges of ammunition, and 202 cans of Colorado Loud, a Canadian strain of cannabis, concealed inside a 40-foot container numbered MRSU6407089.

    The container, he revealed, was consigned to Mr. Babatunde Ogidiolu of a Lagos address.

    Adeniyi explained that the container had initially been cleared as clean, but a secondary search by joint security agencies uncovered the illicit cargo. Each can of Colorado Loud weighed 500 grams, making a total haul of 101 kilograms — about the equivalent of two bags of cement.

    He added that intelligence reports indicated other contraband could be hidden inside the seized containers, prompting directives for full scanning to expose all concealed items.

    “And when this was done, arms and ammunition were discovered inside the container. Two pump-action rifles and 25 cartridges of ammunition were discovered. Also discovered was one Smith & Wesson pistol with 55 rounds of ammunition, one blank, and a number of accessories.

    “This container had Mr. Babatunde Ogidiolu of an address in Lagos as the consignee of these products. Other seizures include that of seven containers of expired drugs and prohibited medicaments, three containers of expired food items, particularly margarine, and three containers of absolutely prohibited used clothing.”

    Over the weekend, Adeniyi disclosed, “we also launched an operation through the customs area where one container, one by 40-footer container, number OERU4243517, was seized.

    “And it contained 1,290 sacks of frozen poultry products. Another container, FBIU5507953, a 40-footer container, also had 1,290 sacks of frozen chicken. Another interesting seizure has to do with an importation that has infringed intellectual property rights.

    “It was established that this container, number ZZSU7277511, had 305 cartons of toothpaste that were concealed with beads and a Jalabiya dress. This particular seizure also underscores what customs does with other agencies of government regarding the enforcement of branch rules. It was a case of infringement of a brand owned by a Nigerian company. Because these products were also not registered by NAFDAC, in addition to the brand infringement, they are subject to seizure.

    Read Also: Customs resolves glitch on B’ Odogwu, clears cargo backlog

    “Two other containers of expired chest and lung tablets without NAFDAC registration number were also seized. And as we were putting together this press briefing, two containers that we have followed over a period of time from our partners arrived at our ports yesterday.

    And true to the information that we received, he said, “These two containers, 40-foot containers, contained codeine. These two containers have also been seized. And the information that we had on these containers is linking the owners to those of the previous ones that we have made.”

    The Service, he added, has “therefore deployed tools, technology, and intelligence to help us to strike a delicate balance between and among all these mandates. In doing so, we have found ourselves working on some tightropes to ensure that we do not give attention to one and allow another one to suffer. The results that we have gotten in the last two years have justified the fact that we are doing our best in striking a healthy balance,” Adeniyi said.

  • Import cargo volumes surge at Lagos port

    Import cargo volumes surge at Lagos port

    There is a surge in import cargo volumes at the Lagos sea port in the last few weeks, The Nation learnt.

    The terminal manager, APM terminals Apapa,  Steen Knudsen, told our correspondent that due to a sharp and sustained surge in import cargo volumes over recent weeks, shipping lines have had to prioritise discharging incoming laden containers over evacuating empties.

    This high volume of imported cargo, Knudsen said, has resulted in a growing inventory of empty containers within the terminal, significantly limiting yard space.

    He however, assured importers, clearing agents and other stakeholders of their continued professionalism, service efficiency, and close collaboration with relevant parties to resolve the issue prompting the limitations they are facing in terms of the space in their yard.

    READ ALSO: Quick tips to get rid, prevent bedbugs in homes, beds, others

    Although there have been insinuations suggesting that APM Terminals Apapa is not receiving empty containers, allegedly contributing to yard congestion but Knudsen was unequivocal in his statement that “ the management of empty container evacuation into the terminal – and subsequent shipment onto vessels – is the exclusive responsibility of shipping lines, which own and control all the containers.

    Due to a sharp and sustained surge in import cargo volumes over recent weeks, he said, “shipping lines have had to prioritize discharging incoming laden containers over evacuating empties. This operational shift has resulted in a growing inventory of empty containers within the terminal, significantly limiting yard space.

    As a result of this accumulation, Knudsen said,  “APM Terminals Apapa has had to temporarily restrict the reception of additional empty containers until the existing stock is cleared by the shipping lines.

     “We recognise the impact this may have on truck operators, consignees, and landside logistics, and we are actively engaging the shipping lines and relevant government authorities to expedite vessel evacuation of empty containers.”

    The Terminal Manager emphasised that the development is not due to a failure in terminal operations, but rather a systemic issue stemming from the imbalance in container traffic.

    “Shipping lines play a key role in ensuring containers are loaded out as empties once they are returned. Unfortunately, the high volume of imports is tipping that balance. We are committed to doing everything within our operational capacity to support the clearing of this backlog,” he promised.

    He also appealed to landside customers, truck operators, and other stakeholders to kindly bear with the temporary restrictions and delays in receiving empties, while assuring them that every effort is being made to normalise the situation.

    “APM Terminals Apapa remains steadfast in its commitment to professionalism, efficient service delivery, and partnership with stakeholders to ensure the Nigerian supply chain keeps moving,” he said.

  • First direct ship from China on way to Lagos port

    First direct ship from China on way to Lagos port

    PTML Terminal, the largest multipurpose terminal in West Africa, recently made history with the arrival of the MV Great Cotonou, the first Con-Ro (Container-Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel, which reached Lagos from Shanghai, China, in a record 27 days.

    The operators of the terminal said, this milestone marks a significant advancement in maritime trade between China and Nigeria, reducing transit times and enhancing logistics efficiency.

    Owned by global shipping giant Grimaldi Group, which also operates PTML Terminal, the MV Great Cotonou is set to transform regional trade by offering the fastest transit time on this route—just 27 days.

    Unlike other shipping services that require transshipment at intermediary ports, this direct service ensures faster and more reliable delivery for Nigerian importers, eliminating delays and additional handling costs.

    With this innovative service, Nigerian businesses can now receive not only containerised cargo but also vehicles—including cars, vans, trucks, and project cargo—all on the same vessel.

    This unique multimodal transport solution presents a substantial logistical advantage, streamlining supply chains and reducing overall costs for importers.

    PTML Terminal is well-equipped to handle this new service, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, easy port access, and a dedicated workforce to ensure seamless operations.

    The terminal’s highly efficient cargo-handling capabilities will further enhance the benefits of this direct shipping route.

    The vessel’s arrival was commemorated with a high-profile welcoming event attended by key figures in the maritime industry. Among those present were Andrea Grimaldi, representing the Grimaldi family, alongside Giampaolo Vitale, Line Manager, and Salvatore Califano, Director of Grimaldi. PTML’s Managing Director, Ascanio Russo, also attended the event, emphasizing the significance of this milestone.

    Speaking at the event, Russo stated: “The arrival of the Great Cotonou at PTML represents a pivotal moment for Nigerian importers.

     “This service will significantly reduce transit times and logistics costs while offering unmatched convenience by accommodating various types of cargo in a single shipment.”

    Read Also: First direct ship from China arrives Lagos port in 27 days

     “We have the infrastructure, the expertise, and the human capital, and we will offer great service to our importers and exporters.

     “The arrival of this ship and this new service will definitely create many more opportunities for our terminal, workers, host community, and Nigeria as a whole.

     “This is the largest container-RoRo ship coming to Africa, and we have upgraded our facilities to receive this kind of vessel.

     “We have recently acquired a massive mobile harbor crane costing more than USD 10 million. Additionally, we had to upgrade our infrastructure, including the quayside, with an investment exceeding USD 5 million just to accommodate these ships,” Russo said.

    Also speaking, Andrea Grimaldi said, “Our goal is to create a fast and efficient trade link between Shanghai and West Africa, particularly Lagos.

     “The Great Cotonou offers a direct connection with a rapid 27-day transit. We are starting with Shanghai, but as demand grows, we plan to expand our coverage to other Chinese ports and beyond.”

    With this groundbreaking development, Nigerian businesses and logistics operators now have access to a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective trade link with China

    Rhe direct Shanghai-to-Lagos route reinforces Lagos as a key hub in global maritime logistics, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading player in West African trade.

    As PTML Terminal continues to expand its service offerings, the launch of this direct shipping route, the operators of the terminal said, stands as a testament to its commitment to enhancing trade, boosting economic growth, and providing world-class logistics solutions in Nigeria.

  • Customs smashes fake drugs syndicates at Lagos port

    Customs smashes fake drugs syndicates at Lagos port

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin-Can Island Port command, Apapa,  Lagos, announced on Monday, August 28, that it smashed a ring of fake drugs syndicates operating at the Lagos port.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos, its Area Controller, Adekunle Oloyede said that officers of the command rejected an offer of $54,330 about N50 million bribe from one of the suspects arrested in connection with two containers of imported fake drugs. 

    The two containers of banned drugs, Oloyedr said, were declared as electronics by the scrupulous importers who are now under their custody.

    The imports, which originated from India, were valued at N550.2 million include  175, 200 bottles of CSMIX cough syrup codeine stacked in 876 cartons with each carton contains 200 bottles.

    Oloyede explained further that 50 cartons of manual grater machine containing 70 pieces per carton and one carton of ceiling fan were used as decoy to conceal the drugs.

    The Area Comptroller added that 84 cartons  of gastro resistant omeprazole capsule BP 200mg, were discovered in the container, saying that each carton contains 50 packets of  10 capsules each.

    He announced that a timely intelligence from the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) on the suspected importation of unregistered regulated pharmaceutical products concealed in two  by 40 feet containers with bill of lading Nos 227578945 and 227898171 led to the seizures. 

    He explained that the owner of the containers have been arrested after he offered $54,000 as bribe to move out the cargoes from the port.

    Oloyede said: “Two suspects have been arrested and are presently at the custody of the Enforcement Unit in accordance with the investigation process of the Service. 

    “One of suspects in custody, Boniface Ike accepted that he is the owner (Importer) of the two containers and sought to discuss privately with OC Enforcement DC GI Aliyu and Team Manager CIU AC H Abubakar. 

    “I instructed my officers to play along, the request was granted in expectation of receiving vital information from the suspect but to their bewilderment, the suspect pleaded for his freedom from detention and release of the containers while offering gratification to the tune of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira only) (as displayed) equivalent to $54,330 (Fifty-Four Thousand Three Hundred and Thirty Dollars only) at the current exchange rate N920. The money was collected and kept in safe custody at the Enforcement Unit to be tendered as exhibit.”

    He added that, on arrival of the vessel in Tincan Island Container Terminal (TICT), the containers  marked MRSU 592397/0 and MRKU 553432/1 were transferred immediately to the enforcement station for 100 per cent physical examination for further investigation.

    “The physical examination was conducted on both containers by Enforcement Officers, Customs Intelligence Operatives, Customs Police and Examination officers of the Terminal on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 at about 14:00hours and Wednesday, 23 August 2023 at about 13:00hours, respectively. 

    Read Also: Gunmen kill two customs officers in Kebbi

    “The following were discovered:

     Container No MRSU 592397/0: The details on the Bill of Lading with No 227578945 stated the items laden were 1,016 packages containing electrical goods ceiling fan,36 jewel (Cooper) and  chilly cutters (stainless steel plastic) but after examination, the container was found to contain five  cartons of Timaking 120 Tapentadol (Tramadol) Hydrochloride Carisoprodol capsule. Each carton contains 50 rolls, each rolls contains 5 packets, each packet 200 tablets. 10 cartons of Super Royal 225 Tramadol. Each carton contains 50 rolls, each roll contains 10 packets, each packet of 10 tablets, 105) cartons of Omeprazole Capsule BP 200mg. Each carton contains 50 packets, each packet contains 10 capsules, 754 cartons of Barcadin with Codeine (each bottle 100ml). Each carton contains 200 bottles, 50 cartons of Manual Grater Machine – 70 pieces per carton as means of concealment, one cartons of Compo ceiling fan as means of concealment,” Oloyede said.

    The Customs chief noted that the unregistered’ pharmaceutical products intercepted were regulated products by NAFDAC and didn’t have the required permits and certificates for importation in which the documents are to ascertain the safety of the products to Nigerians.

    The comptroller assured  that service would not be a part nefarious acts which would jeopardise the safety and lives of law abiding Nigerians, adding that any fraudulent importer or agent who tries to perpetrate such acts wo5 be arrested and prosecuted. 

  • More of Lagos ports congestion ahead, experts warn

    There seems to be no respite in sight to the lingering Lagos ports traffic congestion as experts project a worse scenario in the near future.

    The maritime and finance experts’ prediction is based on anticipated increase in volume of port activities in the near future, vis-a-vis the haphazard port management system.

    They said the Federal Government’s efforts to fix the Apapa and Tin Can port access roads to address port congestion might only see the problem reduce for about four or five years, but the menace would return worse than the current state.

    The practitioners, who spoke at the maiden quarterly business roundtable organised by MMS Plus Newspapers tagged: ‘Economic Outlook: Quarterly Verdict’, with the theme: Post-Election Economy: Exploring Strategies for Growth, stressed that the port corridor must be reserved and restricted as an exclusive economic zone.

    The Chairman, Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (PCC), Otunba Kunle Folarin, who made this known while delivering his speech at  the event which held at the MMS Plus International Image Centre , Festac, Lagos, regretted that having worked on port corridor problems and solutions for over 16 years, his predictions and findings on same have been left unattended to, thereby bringing the corridor to its present state.

    “The port corridor should be a restricted economic zone. It is a place that should be exclusive for port operations. However, in Nigeria we have several residential houses surrounding the ports. Some of them are 10 meters from the port, so it is no longer a port corridor. Another issue is that a port is a transit area, a holding bay, but not a storage area. It should be an area where ships discharge cargoes and the cargoes should leave the ports just as the ships also leave the ports. It is a transit area not supposed to hold onto a cargo or ship beyond a certain time,” he said.

    Speaking further on the issue, the veteran maritime analyst noted that the mechanism for port operations is multi-modal. He stressed that the transit nature of the ports explains why demurrage is placed on ships, just as the containers bringing in cargoes and the containers stored in the ports also pay ground rent.

    “Until we install a multi-modal concept and infrastructure at the ports, we would continue to have a recurring decimal of congestion at the ports. Within the port environment up to four kilometers should be only warehouses for cargoes, roads for movement of port cargoes by trucks or railway. There should also be a ring road exclusive for port operations,” he said.

    According to him, when the Oshodi-Apapa expressway was constructed, it was perceived that the road would only service Tin Can Island Port, but it has become a municipal transport area and not just for port traffic.

    “In a day, one million vehicles transit around Apapa, Oshodi and Ebute-Metta at the peak time. If the nation continues to prosper and the volume of cargo traffic increases, then Nigeria would discover that it is much difficult to manage prosperity than poverty,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Quiet Dimentions Limited Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Ime Udoma, admonished the Federal Government to strengthen the commercial banks by allowing some public sector funds to be domiciled in such banks.

    Although the introduction of the Treasury Single Accounts (TSA) has allegedly curbed reckless spending and corruption at most government parastatals, Udoma, who is an ex-banker, lamented that commercial banks have lost the capacity to disburse long term loans, which were necessarily to grow the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the nation’s economy in general.

    “Banks can’t give loans anymore because the bulk of the money they receive is short term deposits. They can’t lend such short term deposits because at any point in time the depositors could demand the money. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) creates money by printing it, but commercial banks create money by giving loans.

    “The government would have to return public sector funds to banks so that they could use it to expand the economy,” he said.

  • 11 ships arrive Lagos ports with petrol, other products

    Eleven ships laden with assorted goods have arrived Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports waiting to berth, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said.

    This is contained in the NPA daily publications issued on Thursday in Lagos.

    It said that two of the vessels contained petrol and aviation fuel, while the remaining eight ships had containers and general cargo.

    The NPA said 33 ships carrying buckwheat, frozen fish, sugar, salt, base oil, steel products, malt, container, buckwheat, general cargo, soda hatch, diesel and petrol were expected at the ports between March 7 and March 25.

  • Why Lagos port is congested, by Osinbajo

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said the failure of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administrations to invest in infrastructure resulted in the congestion of the Apapa Port, Lagos.

    He said the past administrations failed to invest in the other ports and the rail system when Nigeria earned higher revenues from oil.

    Prof. Osinbajo spoke during a special plenary at the ongoing Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja.

    The Vice President said: “I think one of the major failings that we have had as a nation is the failure to invest in infrastructure, especially when we were earning significant sums from oil, and I think that has led to several of what we’re seeing today.

    “The Apapa Port has a 35million metric tonnes capacity; now it’s handling 85million tonnes. So we have so many trucks coming out of Apapa, destroying the roads.”

    According to him, the Federal Government is aggressively addressing the Apapa Port congestion through the development of the rail system and the other ports.

    “We’re opening up the ports in the Southsouth and fixing the rail system. You cannot transport goods around the country without investment in rail,” Osinbajo said.

    The Vice President urged the NBA to purge its ranks of lawyers who specialise in delaying cases and frustrating the anti-graft war.

    According to him, lawyers who abuse court processes are disbarred in other jurisdictions, whereas such practices appear to have become acceptable in Nigeria.

    Asked by the moderator Prof Koyinsola Ajayi (SAN) if Nigeria could end corruption by having leaders with morality, Osinbajo said: “We must understand where we’re coming from and how to resolve that problem.

    “There is a great deal of institutional and moral decay. There is no question about that at all. Just take an example of corruption – it is systemic and has eaten so deep into the society’s fabric.

    “It’s difficult to simply say that we can end corruption by just being exemplars of moral conduct. A lot more needs to be done.

    “One, there is a need to establish a system of consequences for misbehavior. That is a pertinent issue and is one I believe applies to the Bar.

    “The most important thing is that everyone has a responsibility to ensure that there is a consequence (for wrongdoing). One of the major problems that we’ve had is that the legal process is not able to deliver justice within a reasonable time.

    “There are issues that concern public corruption and there are several cases that have been in the court and the government has been criticised for not being able to secure a conviction. There are those who say the prosecution was not prepared. There are those who say the defence engages in dilatory tactics. There are those who say the judiciary is compromised.

    “All of this has to do with our administration of justice system. We must accept some responsibility. The Law Society in England for example accepts responsibility of the discipline of lawyers, including those who engage in dilatory tactics in court.

    “If a lawyer wants to delay a case, or has a strategy of hoping that years after, the matter will be forgotten, that kind of lawyer will lose his shirt in any other jurisdiction. But here, it has become an accepted fact. So, it’s beyond government.

    “All institutions such as the NBA must do something. And it really calls for self-regulation. Government is not going to come up with a law to change that. This is something we (NBA) are in control of. We should be able to say that we’re going to have to put our foot down here.”

    He advised the NBA to take a cue from the Law Society in England and accept the responsibility for conduct of lawyers.

    “There is a sense in which we must accept responsibility for the discipline of lawyers.  The Law Society in England accepts responsibility for the discipline of lawyers, even when lawyers engage in dielectric tactics in court.

    On the questions on Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and how it was transforming the life of the poor people in Nigeria, Osinbajo said that the government started it in 2016 by crafting a budget that took a bottom-to-top approach to tackling the problem of the poor.

    “The approach we adopted from 2016 is two-pronged. One is in first creating safety nets and for the first time we put in the budget a line for what is called the Social Investment Programme.  That is N500billion for the Social Investment Programme.  That is the largest programme of its type in the history of this country.” he said

    He said the Social Investment Programme covered the Conditional Cash Transfer to one million of the poorest, the N-Power Programme, a scheme for providing jobs to 500,000 young graduates and the “Trader Moni” Scheme to two million people.

    “It is working because we can see a substantial improvement in the capacity of people to earn money and to do better for themselves,” he said, adding that the “only way to deal with poverty is to incrementally improve the capacity of people to earn money.”

    He also answered questions on infrastructural development, technological development, ease of doing business and the ideological underpinnings that drive government programmes.

  • Customs seizes imported 1,100 rifles at Lagos Port

    Customs seizes imported 1,100 rifles at Lagos Port

    Customs announced yesterday another shocking discovery  – 1100 rifles – in Lagos.

    The guns, concealed in a 20-foot container with number GESU2555208, were seized by the Area Controller, Tin-Can Island Customs Command,  Mr Bashar Yusuf .

    The importer declared the prohibited items as wash hand basin and water closets. But after the suspected container was transferred to the Enforcement Unit of Tin-Can Command and   examined, the items inside the container were found to be guns.

    Speaking with reporters in Lagos yesterday, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Col. Hameed Ali (retd) said the guns were shipped into the country from Turkey.

    Col. Ali told reporters that a senior officer of the service who allegedly authorised the cutting of the seal on the container and one of the clerks working in the terminal where the container was discharged  have been arrested. They are undergoing investigation.

    A Vessel, MV Bella Shuttle, Col. Ali said, brought the 600 Jojef  Magnum Pump Action Rifles,  300 Jojef  Magnum Silver Pump Action rifles and 200 Jojef  Magnum Plastic Single Barrels Hubting gun pump action rifles into the country.

    The seizure, the Comptroller-General said, is the third in eight months. He praised the “dedicated officers and men” for their triumph over those who “do not wish this country well”.

    Ali warned that any Customs officer involved in the release of suspected containers would, henceforth, be arrested, paraded the way the police parade suspected criminals and charged to court.

    “The audacity of these criminals to think that they can succeed in smuggling such quantity of weapons into the country calls for all-round responsibilities. Shipping agencies and terminal operators must wake up to support the Customs to nip in the bud attempts to smuggle such dangerous items into the country.

    “As you may already be aware, the previous cases of 661 pump action rifles from Apapa and 440 pump action riles from this command seized earlier in the year are already in court. W.e look forward to justice being served to deter other would-be arms smugglers.

    Ali described the seizure as a testimony that a well-reformed and intelligence driven Nigeria Customs Service “will better serve the interest of the nation”.

  • Arms haul at Lagos Port

    Arms haul at Lagos Port

    •Customs finds guns in pop cement container

    THE ARSENAL

    • 100 pieces of Black Tornado single barrel rifles
    • 75 pieces of Silver Magnum single barrel rifles
    • 50 Alter Pump Action rifles
    • 215 Black single barrel rifles
    • 164 rifle nozzles
    • 103 Arms Grips
    • 110 Triggers
    • 113 Arm Guards
    • 107 Bridge Block
    • 122 Allen keys
    • 117 Assemble Butt
    • 516 50kg bags of pop cement

    A cache of arms in a container has been found at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

    The Zonal Coordinator of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Asst. Comptroller-General Monday Abue, told reporters yesterday that the guns were imported from Turkey.

    A suspect is being held in connection with the seizure, he added. His identity was not disclosed.

    The guns were concealed in a 20ft container with Registration Number PONU210024 (1) 22G1, covered by bags of POP powder used for design of houses.

    The importer declared the consignment as ANTISERA AND CANNULE (CHEMICAL FORMULA.)

    This is the second time in three months that such a seizure has been made at the ports in Lagos.

    Three months ago, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of the Customs intercepted 660 pieces of pump action rifles at the Apapa port.

    The Customs intercepted the container following a tip-off of the Tin Can Island Customs Command. The container was taken away by the Customs before a declaration was made by the importer’s clearing agent.

    Customs, it was learnt, intercepted the container on Monday and transferred it to its enforcement unit where other security agencies were called in to inspect it.

    Abue said: “These are pump action of various designs. Based on intelligence report of the Tin Can Island Customs under Controller Bashir Yussuf, the container was identified and intercepted. There is no question of any officer releasing container here; it was intercepted even before declaration.

    ”We discovered that they used POP powder to conceal it in order to beat the Customs checks.

    ”We have one defendant, but for the purpose of indemnity, we don’t intend to detain him for long because of security reasons. As of the consignee, we are still keeping it under wraps because investigation is still ongoing. We have about 440 pieces coming from Turkey,” Abue said.

    ”Prosecution of matters like this in Nigeria involve a lot of time to push out the culprits but our lawyers have all what it takes to prosecute those involved.”

    The Tin Can Island Customs chief said apart from the 440 pieces of pump action magnum brand, other accessories of the guns were found inside the container.

    Bashr gave the breakdown of the seized items as follows:

    • 100 pieces of  black tornado single barrel rifles.
    • 75 pieces of silver magnum single barrel rifles.
    • 50 pieces alter pump action rifles.
    • 215 pieces of black single barrel rifles.
    • 164 pieces of rifle nozzle.
    • 103 pieces of arms grips.
    • 110 pieces of trigger.
    • 113 pieces arm guard.
    • 107 pieces of bridge block.
    • 122 pieces allen keys.
    • 117 pieces of assemble butt and
    • 516 5Okg bags of POP cement.

    He added that there was a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) pump action inside the consignment.

    Some of the guns were manufactured in the United States and Italy, but were shipped into Nigeria from Turkey.

    “There are other accessories inside the container, several parts dismantled but definitely to be reassembled (CKD). Investigations would go deeper so as to know where the factory for arms assemblage is located in Nigeria,” Abue said, adding:

    “Generally, anytime we have interceptions like this, it requires a lot of intelligence and profiling of importers. The 21st century calls for that, you don’t have to wait for things to start happening before you start working.

    “POP is a very safe item to conceal weapons because it is not injurious to anyone. It is mainly used after effect of building. It is an attempt to distract the Customs attention, but whatever anyone might use, it would attract our attention,” he assured.