The Sea Empowerment & Research Center (SEREC) has advised the Nigerian government to improve its approach to stopping illegal arms smuggling. Instead of just seizing weapons at ports, they suggest that authorities should trace the entire supply chain back to where the weapons come from. This recommendation follows the recent interception of 204 firearms that were hidden among other goods at the Tin Can Island Port, which were shipped from Turkey. SEREC praised the Customs Service for their successful operation but emphasized that this should lead to a deeper investigation into the networks involved in arms trafficking. They stressed the importance of working closely with Turkish authorities to better understand and combat the issue. SEREC clarified that they are not accusing Turkey or its businesses of wrongdoing but want to ensure thorough investigations into arms trafficking linked to the country. The organization proposed several actions, including enhancing intelligence sharing between Nigeria and Turkey, examining all aspects of the supply chain, and using advanced technology like artificial intelligence to connect information about shipments. They believe that understanding the patterns of these illegal transactions is crucial for disrupting trafficking networks. SEREC concluded that success should not just be measured by the number of weapons seized, but by the effectiveness of dismantling the networks behind the smuggling. They called for improved resources and support for customs officers involved in these operations.
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