Turkish authorities are ready to stop the illegal importation of firearms to Nigeria.
After the Federal Government of Nigeria lodged complaints about the unchecked movement of arms from Turkey into the country, the relevant authorities have disclosed their interest in entering into an agreement.
The agreement would ensure Turkish ports, harbours, airports, and territories are not used as transit points for the trafficking of illegal items from other lands.
This was disclosed in an article released on Sunday by presidential media aide, Garba Shehu, after President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Turkey to attend the Ninth Summit of the Developing 8 (D-8).
“On the specific issue of arms smuggling, our team which included the Minister of Interior, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau(retd.) and the Comptroller-General of the Customs, Col. Hameed Ali, reached conclusions with the Turkish authorities on how to avert future occurrence and to that effect, a negotiated agreement is to be signed by both sides after vetting by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice as a requirement of our own administration,” he disclosed in the statement.
He also added that the President’s visit would positively impact on security and partnerships on transnational crimes; industry, trade, investment and transportation; civil aviation; education and health matters; and defence.