The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has handed over the 661 pump action rifles seized by the service in January this year to the Department of State Security, DSS, for further investigation.
They were handed over to Director of the Lagos State DSS Command, Betty Adoki, who represented the DSS Director-General, Lawal Daura, at the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ Ikeja command of the NCS on Friday.
Two suspects arrested in connection with the rifles, Oscar Okafor, the importer and Mahmud Hassan, the clearing agent were also handed over to the DSS.
Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, Dan Ugo, speaking on behalf of the Comptroller General, Hameed Ali, urged Nigerians to keep supporting the service with necessary information that could assist it in carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
“The interception of these arms is a clear indication of how committed and dedicated the service is to the economy, security and well being of the country,” Ugo said.
The 661 pump action riffles were intercepted by men of the command on Sunday, January 23 along Mile 2 Apapa road, Lagos, concealed in a truck with registration that was also carrying steel doors and other goods.