News
Large Cache of Ammunition Reportedly Seized in Bonded Terminal at Onne Port, Rivers State + Video
In a significant operation, authorities in Rivers State have reportedly seized a large cache of ammunition at a bonded terminal within Onne Port. This seizure marks a critical development in the ongoing efforts to curb illegal arms trafficking in Nigeria.
The interception occurred at one of Nigeria’s busiest ports, known for its strategic importance in both regional and international trade. While the exact quantity and types of ammunition recovered have not been fully disclosed, sources indicate that the cache includes various calibers, suggesting it was intended for substantial illicit activities.
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Large cache of ammunitions reportedly seized in a bonded terminal at Onne Port, Rivers State.
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) June 24, 2024
Onne Port, located in Rivers State, is a vital commercial hub and one of the largest ports in West Africa. Its extensive facilities handle a vast array of cargo, including oil and gas equipment, making it a target for smuggling operations. Bonded terminals, in particular, are areas where imported goods are stored under customs control until duties are paid, making them crucial points for monitoring and interception.
The seizure underscores the persistent challenges Nigeria faces in combating arms smuggling and maintaining national security. The proliferation of illegal weapons has been linked to various security issues in the country, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and insurgency. Rivers State, with its economic significance and history of militant activity in the Niger Delta, remains a focal point for security operations.
Nigerian customs officials, in collaboration with other security agencies, have been intensifying efforts to monitor and control the influx of illegal arms through the country’s ports. This recent operation reflects enhanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing among security agencies, aimed at disrupting the supply chains of criminal networks.
Customs officials emphasized the importance of such seizures in preventing the escalation of violence and crime. They also reiterated their commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s ports are not exploited for illicit activities. In a statement, a senior customs officer highlighted the critical role of international cooperation and advanced technology in identifying and intercepting illegal shipments.
The successful seizure at Onne Port is expected to have a ripple effect on local and national security. By disrupting the flow of arms, authorities hope to reduce the capacity of criminal groups to carry out violent activities. This operation also serves as a deterrent to smugglers, reinforcing the message that Nigeria is stepping up its vigilance at critical entry points.
The news of the ammunition seizure has been met with mixed reactions. Local communities, often affected by the violence perpetrated with illegal arms, have expressed relief and support for the authorities’ actions. On the other hand, some industry stakeholders have raised concerns about potential delays and increased scrutiny at the port, which could impact legitimate business operations.
The seizure at Onne Port highlights the ongoing struggle against illegal arms trafficking in Nigeria. Moving forward, sustained efforts and continuous improvement in surveillance techniques will be essential. Authorities are likely to increase collaborations with international partners to enhance their capabilities in detecting and intercepting illegal shipments.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has nabbed a renowned business executive and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu.
Her legal team made this known in a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing that Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, her lawyer had reportedly told the Federal High Court in Abuja that she had already stated in her court documents that she would visit the EFCC today in connection with its ongoing investigation into an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered Achimugu to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to respond to allegations related to an ongoing investigation.
The court also directed that she must be present before it on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to continue proceedings in the matter.
The Chairman of Ward 1 of the Labour Party (LP) in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Okasime Olowojoba, has been kidnapped while traveling along the Auchi-Benin-Ibillo Road.
The incident occurred on Saturday near Sasaro, a location notorious for frequent cases of abduction. Olowojoba, who also works as a realtor, was reportedly returning to Igarra after visiting Auchi to pick up his children following their holiday break.
According to reports, the assailants initially seized everyone in the vehicle — Olowojoba, his children, and a house help — but later freed the children and the domestic aide, taking only Olowojoba deep into the forest.
A family member speaking with Vanguard on Monday revealed that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N50 million for his release.
The source explained, “Valentine Okasime Olowojoba was returning with his children when he was ambushed and kidnapped around Sasaro. The lack of network service throughout Saturday delayed any contact with the kidnappers until Sunday afternoon.”
“The attackers abandoned the vehicle at the scene and took him away. His brother later confirmed that a N50 million ransom has been demanded. We also heard reports of additional abductions in the same area on Sunday,” the source added.
Efforts to reach the Edo State Police spokesperson, Moses Yamu, for confirmation were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered.
Vanguard
Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a N1 billion suit instituted against former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele over the hardships that trailed the 2023 Naira redesign policy.
The judge threw out the suit instituted by an Abuja based legal practitioner, Uthman Isa Tochukwu on the grounds of lack of diligent prosecution of the case.
In a ruling on Monday, Justice Ekwo said that he was convinced that the plaintiff had deliberately abandoned his own case due to his persistent absence in court without legal representation and any explanation.
The plaintiff in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/418/2023 had dragged the former President, Attorney General of the Federation, former governor of the CBN, CBN and two commercial banks before the court claiming that they inflicted series of hardships on him during the redesign of the Naira.
In the suit filed on his behalf by his counsel, Bala Dakum, the plaintiff alleged that his fundamental rights to freedom of movement and dignity of his person were violently breached.
Specifically, the legal practitioner claimed his movement was curtailed while his money in the two commercial banks could not be assessed during the hardship occasioned by the redesign of the Naira in January and March 2023.
He therefore prayed the court to award N1 billion damages against the defendants to be paid to him for the breach of his fundamental rights.
However, at Monday’s proceedings, both the plaintiff and his counsel were not in court and did not offer any excuse for their absence.
Counsel to the 3rd and 4th defendants (Emefiele and CBN) Mr Chikelue Amasiani drew the attention of Justice Ekwo to the persistent absence of the plaintiff and his counsel in court during past proceedings.
He prayed the judge to strike out the suit and that the plaintiff can come back to revive the case when ready to show seriousness.
In a brief ruling, Justice Ekwo agreed with the lawyer and struck out the suit.
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