Ahead of the forthcoming general elections, the Federal
Operations Unit, Zone ‘A,’ Nigeria Customs Service, said it
intercepted bales of uniforms, tear gas canisters and other
paraphernalia of the Nigeria Police Force.
The command revealed that the uniforms that were intercepted
along Lagos road were concealed in a Toyota Sienna space bus
heading out of Lagos.
The Customs Area Controller, FOU, Muhammed Aliyu, said one
person had been arrested in connection with the seizure.
He said the uniforms were a threat to national security as they
were destined to get into the wrong hands.
In addition to the uniforms and tear gas, ranks, belts, berets
and police badges with identity cards were also intercepted by the
unit, Aliyu said.
“The items seized are a threat to national security because the
uniform can be used for kidnapping, Boko Haram activities or during
the elections,” Aliyu said.
Giving details about the paraphernalia of the police seized, he
said, “We have belts and badges for the ranks of sergeants and
inspectors. The identity cards have no name on them. They are only
printed and later they will be affixed with any names they want to
put on it.
“One bundle of the material for the uniform can be used to make
uniforms for about 10 people, and Nigerians will complain about
atrocities of policemen not knowing some are not real policemen but
impostors.”
Aliyu added, “Not only were identity cards and ranks
intercepted, but but there were also cutlasses. What is a policeman
supposed to do with a cutlass? Have you ever seen a genuine
policeman with a cutlass? These are part of the atrocities they
will use the uniform to commit.”
He, however, warned those involved in the unwholesome practice
to stop because the service would always be a step ahead of
them.
“I am telling those who are involved in this unwholesome
practice to stop it. The one they have in stock they should destroy
it because we are coming for them,” he stated.
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