Intercepted 440 firearms: NCS Zone A not investigating seizure -Comptroller Mohammed

The new Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Comptroller Mohammed Uba has disclosed that the zone is not investigating the importation of the 440 pieces of firearm intercepted by men of the service at the Tincan Island Port.

This is contrary to the speculations by some that the Comptroller General of Customs, Col Hammed Ali (Rtd) had directed the zone to launch an investigation into the matter.

According to the Controller, who stated this during a media pally with journalist over the weekend at the Zonal headquarters in Ikeja, the container of arms was only brought for safe keeping pending further directives from the headquarters.

At the event which was the first since his resumption of office as the Controller of Zone A, Mohammed solicited for partnership from Media practitioners as well as all stakeholders in eradicating the smuggling in the zone.

He maintained that the Nigeria Customs Service alone would not be able to achieve the desired result without the needed partnership as they can’t be everywhere at every time.

In his words, the new Controller who before his deployment was the Controller Federal Operations Unit Zone C said, ” to eradicate smuggling is our calling as Customs officers. It is however pathetic that people still engage in smuggling which is very injurious to the society. But unfortunately, those who engage in it do not see it so as they are only interested in making money.

” sometimes, it is as a result of lack of information that many have engaged in the act. We must all partner to move our nation forward especially in the area of revenue generation, reducing smuggling and community services.”

Concerning the many smuggling activities around Badagry, Owode and other areas in the Zone, He maintained that he would do everything in his power to stop smugglers from perpetrating their evil act around the area.

On the activities and conducts of personnel within the Zone, the Controller warned that his office will not condole any act of indiscipline.

“wherever there are a lot of economic activities, there are a lot of problems. I therefore call for the support of everyone especially in the area of information on the activities of our officers. If they misconduct themselves in the discharge of their responsibilities, please let us know. Give us information because that is what we need.”

He also stated that his office will not hesitate to partner with sister security agencies in ensuring the common good of the country as he had already visited his Army counterpart as well as the police.