The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has given a detailed information as to why it declared a state of emergency at the Onne Port, Rivers State, in its bid to curb the influx of illegal arms into the country through that axis.
Addressing newsmen under the auspices of the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee, in Abuja yesterday, the NCS spokesperson, Mr. Abdullahi Maiwada (CSC) informed that the decision was taken to ensure the service give 100 percent concentration to physical examination of cargoes in order to end all forms of importation of illegal arms through the port.
Recall that in July 2024, customs seized no fewer than 844 rifles at the Onne Port and arrested some in connection with that massive illegal arms importation.
According to Mr. Maiwada those arrested were handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigations and prosecution, adding that Customs raked in N277.5 b from duties and N15 billion from Excise in the month of August.
“In August 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) achieved significant milestones across key areas, including revenue generation, enforcement activities, trade facilitation, and strategic stakeholders’ engagement. The NCS collected ₦277.5 billion in import duties and ₦15.8 billion in excise duties, reflecting its commitment to revenue maximization.
“In an effort to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum, the NCS recorded 83 seizures across various commands, including 170,000 liters of PMS, 3,083 bags of foreign rice, 1,014 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 23 vehicles, and other contraband, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦975.066 million.”
