The Nigerian Navy today received no fewer than 86 seized drones from the Nigerian Customs Service to aid surveillance of the nation’s sea lanes.
The drones were said to be those imported by Nigerians and firms without an End User Certificate.
End Use Certificates is usually obtained for some sensitive imported products from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
Speaking while presenting the drones to the Navy at the FCT Customs Command warehouse, the Comptroller General of Customs, Col Hameed Ali (Rtd.), said the drones were intercepted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and were subsequently forfeited to the government. Represented by the Comptroller, FCT Command, Sulaimon Bomoi, Ali said the drones were presented to the Navy to further cement the agency’s relationship with others security agencies in the country.
He said, “The drones are among the items that require End User Certificate and the certificate is being issued by the National Security Adviser. These drones have no End User Certificate. They were intercepted, seized and condemned.
“We intercepted it from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and we seized it. We went to the court to get the condemnation order. So at this point I am directed by the CG to hand over 86 pieces of drones to the Nigerian Navy as part of the cooperation and synergy among the security agencies.
“We are here today being October 11, 2022, to hand over and take over the 86 drones 86 for the security use of the Nigerian Navy.” Receiving the drones on behalf of the Nigerian Navy, the Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Solomon Agada, pledged that the drones would be put to good use.
He said, “I am here on behalf of the Nigerian Navy to receive these drones as earlier highlighted 86 drones seized by the Nigeria Customs Seized and forfeited to the Federal Government, which have been transferred to the Nigerian Navy. I can assure you that these drones will be used appropriately in service to the Nigerian Navy and the nation at large.”