Ship Heading To Nigeria With Arms Held In S/Africa

A Nigeria–bound Russian ship is being detained in South Africa for carrying illegal arms.

The cargo ship, LADA, was arrested on Sunday at the Port of Nura, near Port Elizabeth city, following a tip-off.

According to a report by Fletmon.com, security checks on the vessel revealed arms and explosives believed to be illegal in 20 containers.

It was learnt that an investigation by South Africa’s criminal investigation organisation – The Hawks – revealed that the cargo was heading for Nigeria’s commercial city Lagos and the United States.

In recent times, security agencies and the Nigeria Customs Service have been intercepting illegal arms and ammunition in large consignments at the nation’s ports.

The prevalence of small arms is believed to be the cause of the violent crimes being perpetrated across the country.

The detained ship had sailed since May from Ust-Luga, Russia, Baltic sea, visiting India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania ports prior to its arrival in South Africa.

Investigation is still ongoing.