The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a state of emergency at the Onne Port in Rivers State to address the rising influx of illegal arms into the country. This decisive move aims to ensure a thorough 100 percent physical examination of cargoes entering through this port.
During a press briefing in Abuja, NCS spokesman Mr. Abdullahi Maiwada (CSC) elaborated on the rationale behind the emergency declaration. He explained that this measure is crucial to prevent the importation of illegal arms and improve overall security. The NCS had recently seized 844 rifles at the Onne Port in July 2024, with several arrests made in connection to this significant arms importation attempt.
“The decision to declare an emergency at Onne Port was taken to intensify our scrutiny of cargoes and prevent the smuggling of illegal arms,” Mr. Maiwada said. He also mentioned that the individuals arrested during the July seizure have been handed over to the appropriate agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
In addition to tackling illegal arms importation, Mr. Maiwada highlighted the NCS’s achievements in revenue generation and enforcement. In August 2024, the NCS collected ₦277.5 billion in import duties and ₦15.8 billion in excise duties. The service also reported 83 seizures, including 170,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 3,083 bags of foreign rice, 1,014 parcels of cannabis sativa, and 23 vehicles, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦975.066 million.
To enhance trade facilitation, the NCS is set to receive new scanners from China, following a visit by Comptroller-General Mr. Adewale Adeniyi.
Federal Government Increases Inmate Feeding Allowance by 50%
In response to the escalating cost of food and harsh economic conditions, the Federal Government has approved a 50 percent increase in the feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria, effective August 2024. This adjustment marks the first phase of a broader review aimed at improving inmate welfare.
ACC Abubakar Umar, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Correctional Service, announced the increase during a briefing. He emphasized that this adjustment is part of a broader effort to address the rising cost of living and improve conditions within correctional centers.
Umar noted that the increase follows a presentation during the budget process and reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by inmates. Further reviews and adjustments are anticipated as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance inmate welfare.
The increase comes amidst recent reports and viral videos highlighting poor feeding conditions at correctional facilities, including the Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar. While Umar acknowledged the issue, he emphasized that an ongoing investigation, ordered by Minister of Interior Mr. Olubunmi Ojo, has yet to conclude.
Military Successes and Police Reward for Terrorism Suspects
In recent defense operations, Nigerian troops have made significant strides, neutralizing 1,166 terrorists and arresting 1,096 suspected terrorists and criminal elements. The military also rescued 721 kidnapped hostages and recovered 391 weapons, over 15,000 rounds of ammunition, and disrupted oil theft activities valued at over ₦5 billion.
Key terrorist leaders and commanders, including Munir Arika and Sani Dilla in the Northeast and Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama in the Northwest, were among those taken off the battlefield, weakening the capacity of terror groups to conduct major offensives.
In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the capture of Andrew Whynne, a British national, and Lucky Ehis Obiyan. Both individuals have been declared wanted for their alleged roles in terrorism financing related to the #EndBadGovernance# demonstrations.
Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi (ACP) urged the public to assist in locating these suspects, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in combating terrorism and ensuring national security.
