[size=14pt]11 cartons of explosives intercepted at Lagos airport[/size]
By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor
11 cartons of explosives intercepted at Lagos airport

A combined team of security agencies led by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),  Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command yesterday impounded 11  cartons of explosives weighing 95kg, which were smuggled into the country.

The 11 cartons of explosives labelled catridge powder devices and chargers were  flown in from South Africa on February 24, 2012, but vigilant personnel at the  Nigeria Aviation Company Limited (NAHCO) warehouse alerted security agents when they observed that the importer, wanted to smuggle the items out of the cargo  terminal without declaring them and without paying the relevant duty.

The Customs Area Controller in charge of the MMIA, Mr Charles Eporwei Edike, while  parading the suspect before journalists, explained that the importer, who claimed  to be a miner in Kaduna State, brought the explosives into Nigeria concealed in pallets made of other goods without disclosing the content to the relevant authorities.

This, he said, contravened the rules of the government and further fuelledthe suspicion that he connived with some clearing agents to take the explosives out of the cargo.

He explained that vigilant security agents at the terminal noticed that the goods  were undeclared explosives concealed with other goods and notified the  Customs, which in turn informed other relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Police, to carry out tests on the items, which were found to be prohibited  explosives.

He gave the name of the consignee as Miero Marble Granite and Stones Limited in  Kaduna State, with one Mr Michael Awara Ernest as the representative to collect the  explosives at the cargo terminal.

The Customs boss further gave the name of the manufacturer (consigner) of the  explosives as Nobleteq Arms and Ammunition Gateway Industrial Park in Centurion,  South Africa.

He explained that in view of the security challenges in the country, where members  of the dreaded Boko Haram sect have been unleashing mayhem on ordinary Nigerians,  it is prohibited for anybody or organisation to import any explosives into the country without the relevant approvals and permits.

The Customs boss explained that the explosives and other imported items like bullet proof jackets, security cameras and naval belts  had been handed  over to the police and other security agencies for proper investigation with a view to ascertaining the motive for importing them.

He said: “The explosives, according to our investigations, are meant for marine and offshore  operations. It is against the Explosives Act of 1964. The importer has violated all  existing regulations and even contravened the law.

‘’If these items were released to him, they could be used to cause mayhem. We  are now going to hand him and the items over to the police for further  investigation.”

http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/news/39304-11-cartons-of-explosives-intercepted-at-lagos-airport.html

If anyone thinks that a terrorism operative or other mischief makers will try to smuggle explosives into the country through the airport without properly settling the corrupt customs officials, he/she should have his/her head examined.

Those explosives are for legitimate uses and the importer was simply trying to cut corners. These incompetent law enforcers should focus on the porous borders instead of wasting time on cheap publicity.

ndu_chucks:

If anyone thinks that a terrorism operative or other mischief makers will try to smuggle explosives into the country through the airport without properly settling the corrupt customs officials, he/she should have his/her head examined.

Those explosives are for legitimate uses and the importer was simply trying to cut corners. These incompetent law enforcers should focus on the porous borders instead of wasting time on cheap publicity.

Evidence doesn't bear you out.
The man simply thought his explosives wouldnt be discovered, afterall he had been able to get past South African customs.

Beaf:

Evidence doesn't bear you out.
The man simply thought his explosives wouldnt be discovered, afterall he had been able to get past South African customs.

Oh boy, you are becoming lazy o. Of course the man thought his explosives wouldn't be discovered. The issue is that the man is simply a smuggler who did not do the customary payoff which you people do. He is not a terrorism operative and the cheap publicity that the customs agents are getting is just that. You and Oga should go and decisively deal with BH and get real publicity from that.

Evidence doesn't bear you out.
The man simply thought his explosives wouldnt be discovered, afterall he had been able to get past South African customs.

beaf

u mind him; the man is an irritant

This is the first and last we will hear about this case. The next thing we shall hear is bomb blast in Abuja, by a group well known to ASO Rock but who are too powerful to be dealt with. All hail Naija.

ikeyman00:

beaf

u mind him; the man is an irritant

Who is the above intellectual midget of a dummy?

ndu_chucks: If anyone thinks that a terrorism operative or other mischief makers will try to smuggle explosives into the country through the airport without properly settling the corrupt customs officials, he/she should have his/her head examined.

Those explosives are for legitimate uses and the importer was simply trying to cut corners. These incompetent law enforcers should focus on the porous borders instead of wasting time on cheap publicity.

You are so right!

I had been wondering if this particular act isn't going to be reported at all. This incidence took place about three weeks ago! Although, the explosives were packed as if they were silicone sealant, except for the detonators and some wires they came with.

The very baffling thing is the guy representing the importers, wasn't looking any disturbed. As far as he is concerned, the explosives were for legitimate use.

Customs are playing to the gallery. Chaep publicity.

^^Whether cheap publicity or not, we don't need such consignments in Nigeria. Not at this period GBAM!

Is there a granite and marble quarry in Kaduna? If this guy is not prosecuted and convicted, it is true that the Goverment's inability to bring the current state of violence and insecurity is delibrate.

ndu_chucks:

Oh boy, you are becoming lazy o. Of course the man thought his explosives wouldn't be discovered. The issue is that the man is simply a smuggler who did not do the customary payoff which you people do. He is not a terrorism operative and the cheap publicity that the customs agents are getting is just that. You and Oga should go and decisively deal with BH and get real publicity from that.

seems youlre right either Customs are after bribe or the Goverment allowed the news to go out as a form of scaremongering. This is a marble quarry near kaduna at Burqu operated by CICI.
Funny part is we still import italian marble, cos the man has to import his explosives and pay high cost of fuel without Govt support.

If the explosives are for legit reasons, what about the Bullet Proof Vests, bullet proof jackets, security cameras and naval belts?!

Bolt2011: ^^Whether cheap publicity or not, we don't need such consignments in Nigeria. Not at this period GBAM!

well said, but we cant stop people from carring out their normal businesses? The govt should check the track record of the importers and their agents. And know if they actually uses such items for their day to day activities.

I think that should give the security agents a kind of direction.

ndu_chucks:

Oh boy, you are becoming lazy o. Of course the man thought his explosives wouldn't be discovered. The issue is that the man is simply a smuggler who did not do the customary payoff which you people do. He is not a terrorism operative and the cheap publicity that the customs agents are getting is just that. You and Oga should go and decisively deal with BH and get real publicity from that.

you sabi the man before. You sound so sure.