A large cache of arms enough to arm a battalion of soldiers has been confiscated by the Nigerian Customs Service in Lagos.
The Comptroller General, Colonel Hameed Ali, (rtd) on Monday, told newsmen at Ikeja, that despite the Federal Government’s ban on pump action rifles and other firearms, 661 pieces of the rifle were found in 49 boxes.
According to him, they were concealed in steel doors and other merchandise goods in a 40-feet container conveyed in a Mack truck with registration number BDG 265 XG.
Colonel Ali said that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the illegal importation.
Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service at the federal operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja Lagos, were seen watching over the seized large fire arms.
The container according to the Customs Service was arrested around the Apapa- Mile 2 expressway where it was discreetly packed.
Sources say the goods were manufactured in China, and taken through Turkey into Lagos, Nigeria.
The Customs boss revealed that preliminary investigation shows that the consignment went through clearance at the Lagos port but that all the officers behind the deal were undergoing interrogation while other suspects were in custody.
It is unknown how the cargo was successfully cleared from the seaport and also the final destination the arms were being taken to.
