By correspondent in Lagos.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised alarm over a surge in arms smuggling through the nation’s waterways, calling on the Nigerian Navy for joint action to stem the illegal trade.
In a renewed offensive against organized crime, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, the new Customs Area Controller of the Western Marine Command,gave the warning during a strategic visit to the Western Naval Command in Apapa, Lagos, on Tuesday.
Ntadi revealed that criminal syndicates, facing increased surveillance at land borders, have shifted their operations to Nigeria’s vast coastal creeks and waterways to smuggle arms and ammunition undetected.
“Due to heavy enforcement along land borders, smugglers are now exploiting the waterways to traffic dangerous arms. This is a serious threat to national security, and we cannot confront it alone,” Ntadi stated.
He urged the Navy to provide both strategic collaboration and hands-on training for Customs marine officers to enhance their ability to detect, intercept, and deter the movement of illicit weapons.
“It’s critical that our officers learn to navigate and monitor our waterways with the same effectiveness as they do on land. We need the Navy’s experience and support, particularly in surveillance and interdiction operations,” Ntadi added.
In response, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, affirmed the Navy’s readiness to collaborate, highlighting the economic and security implications of unchecked maritime crime.
“Our waterways are key to Nigeria’s economic survival, and arms smuggling threatens both national security and our revenue generation efforts. This partnership is not only welcome but urgent,” Oamen said.
He emphasized the Navy’s concern over the volume of illicit arms trafficked through the sea, stating that maritime smuggling posed a greater risk than land-based operations.
Oamen also urged seamless coordination across all ranks in both agencies, noting that junior officers must be fully integrated into the joint fight against smuggling for operations to succeed.
He pledged full cooperation with Customs, including advanced training and use of hydrograph maps to aid navigation during patrols, and encouraged Customs to reach out for support during high-risk operations.
“This is not just about patrols; it’s about protecting the sovereignty of Nigeria. Smuggling of arms and illicit goods fuels violence and instability. We must shut down these criminal networks before they cause further harm,” he warned.
Our correspondent reports that both agencies reaffirming their commitment to strengthen inter-agency intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at clamping down on maritime smuggling cartels.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
