As part of efforts to address the menace of persistent arms importation from Turkey, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd.) is set to hold talks with the Ambassador of Turkey in Nigeria.
According to the Customs boss, the meeting had become pertinent after four different containers carrying pump-action rifles totaling 2,671 have arrived from Turkey.
Col. Hameed Ali revealed this when he showcased the recent 470 pump-actions rifles on Thursday, even as he lamented that the security of the nation was being threatened.
“I am having a diplomatic meeting with Turkey’s Ambassador in Nigeria specifically on this issue. Already the President, Mohammadu Buhari has discussed this issue at the international forum. We have to find out why these arms continue to come from Turkey. Are these meant for commercial purposes, insurgents or kidnappers?” Ali asked rhetorically.
However, he assured that the Customs intends to extend the issues beyond the Nigerian frontiers because the security of Nigeria is more important than the revenue from Customs duty.
“From our investigations we have identified that there are syndicates of Nigeria but we would still implore the Turkey government to do its part” Ali assured.
The CGC also stated that he was planning to meet the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Mr. Hassan Bello on issues that relate to cargo tracking.
Meanwhile, the Customs boss also disclosed that eight Customs officers at Tin Can are set to be decorated and promoted as they distinguished themselves by playing significant roles in the latest seizures.
“Eight (8) officers who intercepted the first two containers have been recommended to the President for honours and the President has given his approval. This means they would be decorated and promoted.” Ali said.
However, the Customs boss declined yielding to pressure from the press to reveal if any officer was being persecuted in connection with the recent seizures. He also failed to reveal where the vessel berthed and the terminal.
By Kenneth Jukpor
