Custom officers arrest smugglers with 4,400 set of military uniforms
Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service have intercepted a truckload of military camouflage, combat boots and other kits with Duty Paid Value of N61.4 million.
Other contraband were also used as decoy in the 1×40 feet Container to conceal the bales of the military camouflage .
Three suspects, Emeka Omaliko, Udokachi Igba, and Godwin Kalu were arrested in connection with the importation and clearing of the contraband.
Parading the suspects and the impounded items at Imo/Abia Command Headquarters in Owerri, the Assistant Comptroller, General Sanusi Umar, said “the arrest was another milestone recorded in our efforts to stem smuggling activities and to protect our national security”.
Umar disclosed that investigation had begun into the case, stating that appropriate sanctions will be meted against everyone involved.
“You will agree with me that criminals often disguise as military and para-military personnel and use such wears to deceive, rob and kidnap innocent Nigerians,” he said.
“The seized camouflage uniforms can comfortably serve a full fledged four battalions of 1000 persons each and still have an excess of 400 sets.”
He, however, said that the destination of the military wears is still unknown, stating that investigations were still ongoing to ascertain the purpose for the importation and those behind it.
The container was found to contain 11 bales of 400 pairs of newly sewn military camouflage uniform each, totalling 4400 sets, as well as 15 cartons containing 20 pairs of Altama combat boots each, totalling 300 pairs.
Twenty-seven medical equipment made in China, seven wooden furniture kitchen cabinets and 337 packs of foreign tiles were also found in the consignment.
