Firearms

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, commended the joint efforts with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) resulting in the interception of illicit substances and arms at Tincan Island Port Command. 

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, January 25, 2024, the CGC revealed that NCS officers intercepted contraband with a staggering street value of N4.279 billion.

According to a statement released by the customs public relations officer, Abdullahi Maiwadah, on Friday, the seized items included 56.39kg of cocaine valued at N2,368,380,000, 955kg of Colorado Indica with an estimated worth of N1,911,400,000, as well as 5 pistols, 445 rounds of live ammunition, and various empty pistol magazines. 

Stating the significance of collaboration in combating illicit activities, Maiwadah quoted CGC Adeniyi as saying, “Just as criminals find strength in collaboration, government agencies must equally appreciate the advantages of working collectively to fulfill their statutory responsibilities.” 

He noted the positive outcomes of the ongoing partnership between NCS and NDLEA, indicating the joint commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders and protecting citizens from the threats posed by illegal substances. 

“The collaborative synergy exemplifies the effectiveness of pooling resources and intelligence,” he stressed.

The customs boss also handed over the seized items to Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman of NDLEA, represented by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi. 

Commending the synergy between the two agencies, Brig. Gen. Marwa’s representative described the collaboration as a strong warning to drug cartels, signalling their continuous losses in the criminal trade.

He was quoted as saying, “The seizure is a testament that, just like the Airports, the Sea Ports are also secured.” 

As security agencies persist in securing the nation’s territory, successful interception sends a resounding message to those involved in illegal activities across ports.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has called on residents of the state to arm themselves and confront bandits, reiterating that it is “Islamically allowed for one to defend himself against attack.”

Masari said the state government would help those who are ready to own arms with the view to help end the menace. The governor lamented that the security officials alone could not tackle insecurity in the state.

Katsina State is one of the states in the northwestern part of the country that has witnessed incessant attacks by bandits. Reports disclosed how hundreds of people had been injured, killed or kidnapped in Katsina this year, with thousands more displaced from their homes.

Governor Masari made the call while speaking during a media parley with journalists at the Muhammadu Buhari House in Katsina. He added that the number of security personnel they have is insufficient to tackle the situation.

Masari was quoted as saying: “It’s Islamically allowed for one to defend himself against attack. One must rise to defend himself, his family and assets. If you die while trying to defend yourself, you’ll be considered a martyr.

“It’s surprising how a bandit would own a gun while a good man trying to defend himself and his family doesn’t have one,” the governor said.

“We’ll support those who come with the initiative to procure arms because residents need to also complement the efforts of security agencies. These people (security agents) don’t have the number to protect the people.

When President Buhari came, he even tried by increasing the number of our security agents, but it’s inadequate. Count it yourself, how many policemen do we have in this country? How many soldiers do we have?

“Even if we say every policeman should go back to his home state, it’ll still not be enough. So, if we fold our arms and decide to do nothing, we’ll be the ones to suffer most,” he lamented.

However, Masari added that the police would register all guns bought by the residents to ensure they are put to the right use.