Arms seizure: NPA calls for more vigilance at Nigerian Ports

·      Calls for whistleblowers collaboration

Following the seizure of 661 pump action rifles by the Nigeria Customs Service Lagos, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, has enjoined security agencies serving in the port, to be extra vigilant, to avoid a re-occurrence of such totally prohibited cargo entering and exiting the ports.

This is even as the Usman called on whistleblowers to avail themselves in future, of platforms already put in place by the Authority to ensure timely presentation of information and intelligence needed to nip in the bud such illegality.

She commended the Customs Comptroller-General, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd.), and his management team on measures put in place which resulted in the seizure of the arms cache.

“The Authority is particularly impressed with the fact that the controversial 40-feet container manifested to be carrying steel doors had actually exited the port, before it was timely intercepted somewhere around Mile 2, Lagos.  This remarkably is a proof that the customs management has put in place more than one layer of security arrangement to ensure that nothing dangerous actually escapes the eagle-eye of a customs service under the meticulous watch of a military mind, exemplifying the leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service,” she said. “Without this interception, the Authority would rather not want to imagine what could have happened to the peace, lives, and properties of innocent Nigerians.”

NIMASA PIX CAPTION: R-L: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside; Executive Director, Finance & Administration, NIMASA, Mr. Bashir Jamoh; and Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Dr. Abdulahi Bichi Baffa; during a human capacity development partnership meeting in Abuja.