Two Customs officers declared wanted over seized 661 pump-action rifles
Two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been declared wanted in connection to the illegal importation of 661 pump-action rifles in Lagos.
The officers, Abdullahi I (service number 44483 ASC) and Odiba Haruna Inah (service number 133386), were said to have examined and cleared a 40-ft container laden with the ammunition at the Apapa port on Monday.
Three other suspects – Oscar Okafor (importer), Mahmud Hassan (clearing agent) and Sadique Mustapha (escort) – have been arrested in connection with the arms smuggling.
Spokesperson for the Federal Operations Unit, Ikeja, Jerry Attah said, “Immediately the weapons were uncovered, they took to their heels and that is why we are declaring them wanted. They were the ones that examined and checked the container at the Apapa port.
“The other suspects, including three other officers, are still in our custody pending the conclusion of investigations. There will be no half measures. We will get to the root of the case.”
A document declaring the two men wanted and signed by the DCG Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Dan Ugo, states that “The above customs officers are wanted in connection with the clearance of a one-by-40-foot container no PONU/825914/3 found to contain 661 pump-action rifles.
“Whenever/wherever seen, they should be arrested and taken to the nearest customs formation.”
Some other customs officers have reportedly been arrested.
The ammunition were discovered after the NCS’ interception of a truck which camouflaged as transporting still doors on Monday.
