Reps probe firearms influx, invite Customs, SSS

The House of Representatives on Wednesday invited the Nigeria Customs Service and the State Security Service, SSS, to brief it on the influx of small arms and light weapons into the country.

This was sequel to a motion under Matters of Public Importance by Obinna Chidoka (Anambra-PDP) to ascertain the cause(s) of the influx and how to stop it.

Mr Chidoka said that the Customs had on four occasions this year intercepted firearms, totalling 2,671 pieces, smuggled into the country since January.

He said that a set of firearms was seized in May while the third and fourth were seized in September.

The lawmaker said that the seizure in January was intercepted by the Customs after it had been purportedly checked and certified freed.

He recalled that the firearms had left the premises of the port when it was tracked down after a tip-off.

“The recent firearms seizure, which is the second this month and fourth in 2017 would appear to suggest that the syndicate behind the firearms has stepped up its nefarious trade.

“This has far-reaching consequences for our dear nation, as firearms and light weapons are the lifeblood of organised crimes and criminality.

“The influx has confirmed the recent report by the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, which identified Nigeria as a destination of choice for smugglers of small arms and light weapons,” he said.

Chidoka said that the invitation would enable the relevant agencies inform the House on how to curb the menace.

The motion was unanimously adopted when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.

The House also commended the Nigeria Customs Service for the seizure of the firearms.

He urged the Customs, SSS and the Office of Attorney General of the Federation to speed up investigations into the seizures and commence prosecution of the culprits to serve as deterrent to others.

NAN