Customs impounds 2 helicopters at Lagos airport

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized two helicopters and 23 consignments of accessories illegally imported into the country.

Dan Ugo, a deputy comptroller-general of customs, told reporters on Friday that the two helicopters and accessories, valued at N9.7 billion, were impounded at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport.

“The consignment was detained at SAHCOL cargo shed. Upon examination, the consignment was found to contain two civil models of Bell Helicopters 412 EP, with serial numbers 36608 and 36606,” he said.

“The consignment also contains 23 packages of accessories, weighing 11,475kg.”

He said the two helicopters and other accessories were seized because the importer could not provide end user certificate from the office of the national security adviser (NSA).

Ugo said the importer had contravened section 36 (2) of customs and excise management Act (CEMA), Law of Nigeria, 2004.

According to him, the consignment, which was impounded on November 7, 2016, had a duty paid value of N9, 757,135,240.86.

“This equipment was seized because the importer contravened the customs Act,” he said.

“The comptroller-general of customs, Retired Col. Hameed Ali, in appreciation of the roles of air force has directed that the equipment should be handed over to the Nigerian Air Force.

“When we make seizures, we go through legal process by approaching the court of competent jurisdiction to file for condemnation and forfeiture to the federal government of Nigeria, which had been done.

“This falls within the purview of the Nigerian Air Force which will put it to use maximally to protect us as a nation.”

He called for continuous synergy between the customs and other government agencies for the safety and security of the nation.

Ugo commended the customs officers who made the seizure and assured them of continued moral support from the customs service.

Hyacinth Eze, an air commodore, received the consignment on behalf of Sadiq Abubakar, the chief of air staff.