The Nigerian government has declared a state of emergency at the Onne Port, a major shipping hub in the country, due to the smuggling of illegal weapons. This drastic measure comes after customs officers uncovered a massive cache of weapons at the port, which handles over 65% of Nigeria's seaport export cargo.
The seized weapons included 844 guns, comprising both rifles and shotguns, as well as 112,500 rounds of ammunition. The weapons were hidden in a shipping container that originated from Turkey and were discovered by customs officials who tracked the container until it arrived at Onne Port.
The importer had paid a significant amount of $2.7 million in duty for the container, but attempted to smuggle it out of the port through a private bonded terminal. However, customs officials were vigilant and searched the container, finding the weapons hidden among other items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags.
Three suspects are currently in custody in connection with the smuggling attempt, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure all those involved face the full wrath of the law. The Nigerian government has taken this incident seriously, and the declaration of a state of emergency at Onne Port is a clear indication of their commitment to addressing the issue.
The smuggling of illegal weapons is a serious concern for national security, and the Nigerian government is taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The declaration of a state of emergency at Onne Port will likely lead to increased security measures and scrutiny of shipments passing through the port.