– The Nigerian Customs Service has seized two civil model bell helicopters
– The service said the owners of the helicopters are yet to be identified
– The Nigerian Custom Service also pegged the value of the helicopter and other accessories at over N9.7 billion
The seized helicopters have been handed over to the Nigerian air force for use
The Nigerian Customs Service has seized two civil model bell helicopters imported in Nigeria by some unknown individuals.
Customs said the helicopters have been handed the helicopters to the Nigerian air force.
The service also it was yet to identify importers to produce an end user certificate from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
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The customs area comptroller, Frank Allanah, said the service action is in line with Section 36 ( 2) of the Customs and Excise Management Act.
Allanah said the seizure was effected on November 7, 2016 in line with section 46 of CEMA.
He pegged the value of the helicopter and other accessories at over N9.7 billion.
Allanah said: “The helicopters were flown in as a consignment with Airway Bill Number 17232444403 into the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
“The choppers were detained at the Skyways Aviation Handling Company Limited shed pending fulfilment of all legal requirements for the importation,” he said.”
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He further added that the helicopter would be useful to the Nigerian air force in the ongoing fight against insurgency because the aircraft were produced for such activities.
Also speaking, the chief of air staff Sadique Abubakar said the helicopters and its accessories would be taken to the NAF hangar at the Lagos Airport for full examination in collaboration with Customs officials.
Abubakar, an air marshal, described the handover as a milestone as the configuration of the aircraft was fitted for military combat operations.
He said the handover had presidential approval adding that all legal issues had also been considered.
360naze
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