‘Highly Alarming!’ Customs Uncovers Alarming Cache of Smuggled Arms in Lagos

OwelekeTV — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a significant quantity of illegal arms and ammunition smuggled into the country.

While the exact value of the intercepted weapons remains undisclosed, authorities have described the discovery as highly alarming.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has arrived in Lagos to brief journalists at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “A” in Ikeja, shedding light on the operation and its implications for national security.

Customs suspend 4% FOB charge on imports

Recall that the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) has intercepted a highly disturbing number of arms and ammunition smuggled into the country.

The values of the large arms and ammunition are yet to be disclosed.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, is already in Lagos to address journalists at the Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone “A”, Ikeja, Lagos.

4% FOB Charge Explanation

Also, the Kano/Jigawa Customs Area Command during a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday to explain the 4 per cent Free On Board (FOB) collection and its suspension.

Area Comptroller, Dalhatu Abubakar, addressed the gathering, stating that the new revenue law benefits all stakeholders, including exporters, importers, and customs agents.

He explained that the FOB collection had been temporarily suspended due to the termination of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) contract with service providers.

Abubakar assured that the NCS would resume direct collection of the 4 per cent FOB once the suspension is lifted.

“The FOB collection suspension is due to the termination of our contract with service providers.

“We are engaging stakeholders during this period to raise awareness about the levy’s importance,”

Abubakar said.

He added that the suspension period allows the NCS to educate stakeholders on the necessity of the 4 per cent FOB, legally backed by Section 18 (1) of the NCS Act (2023).

“Our aim today is to discuss the ongoing FOB suspension.

“This engagement is ongoing, and we will invite you again in the coming weeks to further explain the levy’s purpose and significance,”

Abubakar stated.

The Comptroller explained that the 4 per cent FOB, also known as the Financial Customs Service Operation (FCSO), is essential for NCS operations and stakeholder interactions.

He emphasised that the levy is legally mandated and vital for smooth customs operations.