House Summons Customs, DSS over Infiltration of Firearms

James Emejo in Abuja

The House of Representatives wednesday passed a resolution inviting the Nigeria Customs Service and the Directorate of State Security (DSS) to brief it on the comprehensive plan being taken to rid the country of the menace of proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

It further urged the customs and other regulatory agencies to intensify ports checks to control the influx of firearms as well as directed the customs, DSS and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to speed up investigations on firearms seizures and commence prosecution of culprits to serve as deterrence to others.

In a motion moved by Hon. Obinna Chidoka under matters of urgent public importance and unanimously backed by members, the lower legislative House, nevertheless, commended the customs for recent confiscation of four shipment firearms into the country.

In his lead debate, Chidoka expressed concern that the customs had on four occasions this year intercepted firearms totalling 2,671 pieces which were smuggled into the country.

He said the recent influx of firearms has only confirmed the report of the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament which identified the country as a destination of choice for smugglers of small arms and weapons.
He further expressed worry that the customs might be ill-equipped and not motivated to handle the influx of small arms and light weapons into the country due to the absence of functional scanners at the ports for effective scrutiny of containers in line with global best practices.

He cited an instance wherein in January, firearms shipment was intercepted by the customs and after being purportedly checked and certified, was freed to depart with its deadly cargo.

The affected consignment had left the premises of the port before it was again tracked down after a tip-off.
He said it would appear to suggest that the syndicate behind the influx of firearms had stepped up their nefarious trade with far reaching consequences for the country as firearms and light weapons are the lifeblood of organised crimes and criminality.

The House, however, expressed its determination to address the influx of firearms to curb crime and save lives.