Authorities Intercept 20 Containers Loaded With Ammunition
South African authorities say they have intercepted a Lagos bound Russian ship laden with arms and ammunition.
According to South African police, the ship which was carrying illegal weapons and explosives was bound for Nigeria, after it set sail from Madagascar.
The vessel, named Lada, had reportedly left Madagascar before stopping at Ngqura port outside the eastern city of Port Elizabeth, where it was detained after a security check on Sunday, AFP reports.
“We are aware that she has dangerous cargo, explosives and weapons on board,” Olwethu Mdabula, spokeswoman for the Transnet state transport company told newsmen.
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, spokesman for the Hawks police investigative unit, confirmed to AFP that the vessel was carrying weapons.
In recent times there have been fears as regards the porosity of the Nigerians borders from which some vessels of this nature, laden with arms and ammunition, get to go through freely.
Recall that in July, the Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, intercepted about 393 rounds of live ammunition.
Also intercepted were empty shells and magazines as well as jack knives concealed in containers and a vehicle.
The Command’s Area Controller, Musa Abdullahi, who made this known in Lagos, said the first interception was at Ports and Cargo operators of Terminal C11.
Abdullahi explained that during examination of a 40-feet container numbered TGHU 60143419, it was discovered to contain 150 rounds of live ammunition and 28 pieces of various jack knives.
The Customs boss noted that on initial examination, an officer suspected that it might contain prohibited items and, as a result, the consignment was moved to the enforcement unit where the items were discovered.
