The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command yesterday seized a 40-ft container loaded with explosives.
The explosives, which were imported from China were discovered during a routine check of cargoes by the Customs at the Five Star Terminal, which began on Friday and continued yesterday.
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The discovery of the explosives caused an imbroglio between the marine police the Customs as the Customs resisted desire of the police to take custody of the products.
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LEADERSHIP gathered that before the container was checked, the importer of the products, Cargo Concept had earlier declared that the container had baby toys and rechargeable lanterns.
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Speaking with LEADERSHIP, the Tincan Customs command’s public relations officer, Mr. Chris Osunkwo, said the nature of the explosives was yet to be determined. He also said the intension of the importer was yet to be established.
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“Explosives are restricted items. We are still working to find out whether the importer has the permit to bring in explosives. The contents of the container were declared as toys and rechargeable lanterns. We’ve not yet establish the intension of the importer, but investigation is still ongoing,” he said.
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A month ago, precisely August 23, another 40-ft container loaded with some canisters and two short guns were also intercepted by the Customs during a routine check at the Sifax-managed Ports and Cargo Terminal of the same port.
The NCS however said earlier reports that the container was loaded with explosives was largely due to a “mix of scientific observation.”
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