Ten suspects apprehended by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the guidance of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in connection with a large-scale operation involving the illegal importation of prohibited firearms and ammunition into the country have been arraigned today, Thursday, 12 September 2024, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
A statement issued by the NCCSALW Director, Strategic Communications and Information, Group Captain Pius Okwuego revealed that although the arraignment was initially scheduled for Monday, 9 September 2024, it was adjourned to today due to the absence of the lawyers of 2 of the defendants. Okwuego said the primary suspect, Ali Samson Ofoma, along with nine other accomplices, including Okechukwu Gabriel Charles, Kingsley Mbibi and Akinkuade Mayowa Segun, was subsequently arrested in Abuja.
He added that the arrest of the suspects was made possible through the deployment of the NCCSALW’s intelligence architecture, in collaboration with other security agencies.He noted that the charges against the suspects further highlight their alleged involvement in attempts to destabilize national security through illegal arms trade.
Okwuego stressed that following their arrest, the suspects were charged under several provisions of Nigerian law. These include charges of conspiracy to import prohibited firearms, violating the Firearms Act, and engaging in terrorism- related offenses under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022. He pointed out that the case is a follow-up from the interception of a 40-foot container at the Onne Port, Rivers State, on 20 June 2024, during an operation led by the Nigerian Customs Service. The container, with registration number MAEU- 9165396, originating from Turkey, was discovered to be concealing 844 assorted firearms and 112,500 rounds of live cartridges within items such as plumbing materials and steel doors.
‘Investigations revealed that the case involves a well-organized smuggling ring, with alleged roles ranging from financing illegal importation of arms to facilitating their clearing and logistics process. “Falsified documents were reportedly used to conceal the true contents of the container, which was falsely declared as spare parts and household items,’ he said.
The NCCSALW, operating under the authority of ONSA and empowered by the newly assented Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024, is actively reinforcing its mandate to prevent the proliferation of illegal arms across Nigeria and has taken responsibility for the prosecution of the case. The National Centre remains committed to its mandate of ensuring that Nigeria is safe from the dangers posed by illegal SALW. It will continue to work closely with relevant security agencies and international partners to apprehend all individuals involved in this illicit trade and other acts promoting small arms and light weapons proliferation. The case has been adjourned till 26 September 2024 for hearing. Meanwhile, investigations are still ongoing.