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CACOL Seeks Strengthened Borders, Prosecution Of Arms Smugglers

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has called on the Federal Government to step-up its efforts towards strengthening Nigeria’s borders. The group noted … Continue reading CACOL Seeks Strengthened Borders, Prosecution Of Arms Smugglers


CACOL, Smugglers, BordersThe Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has called on the Federal Government to step-up its efforts towards strengthening Nigeria’s borders.

The group noted that the recent seizure of the 661 rifles by men of the Nigeria Customs Service in Lagos was a result of how porous the nation’s borders were to the perpetration of illegalities.

The call was made on Wednesday by the Executive Chairman of CACOL, Mr Debo Adeniran, who was speaking against the background of the seizure of the rifles.

The arms were said to have been imported into Nigeria from China illegally.

Forty-nine boxes of munitions concealed with steel doors and other merchandise goods in a 40ft container were reportedly apprehended on January 22, 2017, alongside some of the importers and Customs officers.

Mr Adeniran said “the incident explains widespread of illegal arms and ammunition in the country,so the incident itself cannot be too surprising for most discerning Nigerians who understood prior to now know that the country has been sitting on ‘a keg of gun-powder’ for long.

State Of Catastrophic Equilibrium

“We see almost on daily basis (that) the reckless display of even more powerful and sophisticated weapons by militants, insurgents, kidnappers, armed robbers etc. Their activities have continued to put the country in a state of catastrophic equilibrium.

“This particular incident happening at this particular time when violence is being preached and promoted in the country makes the whole scenario scary and dangerous. What we just need to ask ourselves is what those ammunition were being brought in the country for, as well as what the danger and wariness of the situation will give to us back in the face.

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Arms seized by Customs officials in Lagos

“However, the fundamental issue is what we as a people have to do to halt this kind of negative progression in our country for very obvious reasons. With the security and well-being of the people having been relegated in the prioritisations of government for a long time, and corruption still pervading the institutions and agencies  with the social condition that has thrown up this scenario remaining intact; a society like ours inadvertently would grapple with dangers of this sort.

Discourage Arms Trafficking

“Consequently, the country wholesomely is kept under a perpetual siege by bloodletting groups including amorphous groups, individuals, politicians and state actors basically to sustain a system that tenaciously intends to keep its grip of the socio-political and economic direction of the country for their selfish interests.

“This is why we must not look at the recent incident in isolation in reacting and taking decisive action. Thus, if the government is going to draw profound lessons and make use of them in reacting to the 661 rifles importation, it must recognise that incidences like this happen where the State has failed in guaranteeing the protection of lives and property.

“The borders of country with security consciousness are very well monitored to control and nip in the bud incidences like this. The porousity of any country’s border determines what can get in or out of such country.

Corruption And Lack Of Openness

“It is time that the corrupt elements in the state agencies, establishments, services etc.; are weeded out because they abet and even help contrive the illegalities that take place at our borders to a very large extent.

“The present case must be handled in a manner that will on the long run discourage arms trafficking in the country. This requires ensuring that proper investigations are carried out and diligent prosecutions are done to achieve punitive measures which will serve as deterrent to others.

“This can only happen if corruption and lack of openness does not get involved in the processes. This will demonstrate the self-avowed readiness of government to combat corruption and provision of good governance which will be in the interest of the vast majority where (the) society will be rid of the subsisting social conditions and relations.

Borders Must Be Equipped

“Nigerians from all walks of life must get involved in pressuring the government to ensure that the present case is not swept ‘under the carpets’ with its processes shrouded in secrecy. All the suspects, their sponsors and officials of NCS involved must be fished out for prosecution. The culpable ones must be ‘scape-goated’ to serve as examples to other potential criminal elements.

“Also, the NCS and the other enforcement agencies must be adequately equipped to confront the challenges of checkmating the heartless criminals that specialise in so-called businesses that lead to loss of lives and property.

“The borders must be equipped with necessary gadgets that will enhance easy revelation of the cunning ways of merchants of death bringing their merchandises of death into the country.

“The holes of corruption in the public services must be plugged to avoid future incidences of this nature. This is how we can avoid or abate the negative progression represented in illegal arms trafficking, corruption and mis-governance to guarantee the security of lives and property on the long run in our country,” said Adeniran concluded.