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 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.
