- Following the interception of 1500 rifles at the Tin Can Island port, the Nigeria Customs Service has arrested and detained 28 officers
- The affected officers would be charged to court alongside their civilian accomplices, after an extensive investigation has been conducted
- Some of the arrested officers may be released and let off the hook if the investigation proves that they are not culpable
The Nigeria Customs Service arrested and detained 28 officers working at the Tin Can Island port on Wednesday, September 20, following the interception of over 1,500 rifles, Vanguard reports.
The development comes on the heels of the resolve of the Command to fish out and prosecute officers who were part of the scheme to clear the container which brought in the weapons.
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NAIJ.com gathers that the affected officers are being interrogated to ascertain their level of involvement, and many more officers are likely to be detained over the development.
According to a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity, after the Service has conducted a thorough investigation, the detained officers would be charged to court, alongside their civilian collaborators.
However, some of the arrested officers may be released and let off the hook if the investigation proves that they are not culpable; as reports indicate that some of them were only involved in documentation, but were not aware of what was contained in the cargo.
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Recall that NAIJ.com previously reported that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tin-Can Island Command, intercepted a 20 foot container bearing 49 boxes containing 1,100 pump action rifles.
The weapons were discovered when operatives of the Command busted a syndicate which specializes in smuggling weapons into the country.
Watch this NAIJ.com TV video asking if Operation Crocodile Smile 11 is necessary
Source: Naij.com
ROSY CREST
Thursday, 21 September 2017