NSA not Behind Tin Can Island Arms Importation, Says Arms Centre Boss

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons has dismissed allegations that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu was behind the importation of illegal arms intercepted at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.

The Director-General of the centre, DIG Johnson Kokumo (retd.), described as false claims contained in a viral video alleging that persons arrested in connection with the arms seizure were sponsored by Ribadu.

Kokumo said he was personally present at the Tin Can Island Port when the Nigeria Customs Service handed over 399 assorted automatic weapons intercepted at the facility to the centre.

He said the weapons were subsequently secured in an armoury, while two suspects arrested in connection with the alleged illegal importation remained in custody.

The centre’s director-general said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shipment and identify other individuals involved.

He added that the investigation would also seek to identify possible international criminal partners linked to the alleged arms importation.

The development follows the seizure of firearms concealed in a container at Tin Can Island Port and the subsequent arrest of suspects by the Nigeria Customs Service.

Kokumo assured Nigerians that the seized weapons remained securely held while relevant security agencies continued investigations into the case.