The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, has seized 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, and a cache of contraband goods during operations across the Southwest region in August.
The arms and ammunition were recovered as part of a wider offensive to dismantle smuggling networks operating near Nigeria’s western borders, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, said during a media briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday.
According to Shuaibu, the seizures followed credible intelligence which led to the interception of a Nissan Almera vehicle travelling through Ilara bush paths, near the border in Ogun State. Upon sighting Customs operatives, the vehicle’s occupants reportedly abandoned the car and fled into the forest to evade arrest.
A detailed search of the vehicle uncovered the concealed weapons, which had been hidden inside bales of used clothing and cartons of spaghetti.
Breakdown of Seized Weapons and Ammunition
Shuaibu confirmed the seizure included:
- 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic rifles, manufactured in Italy, with serial numbers including 22-0743, 602-H22YT-700, 19KS-0193, among others.
- One Mossberg pump-action shotgun, made in the U.S.
- A total of 4,841 rounds of live ammunition
- Two cartons of Danu Spaghetti
- Two bales and one sack of second-hand clothing
Industrial Drones Intercepted in Ondo State
In a separate operation, a Volkswagen Sprinter bus was intercepted along the Akure-Ore expressway in Ondo State. The vehicle was found to be transporting industrial drones hidden in a wooden box, without proper documentation or regulatory clearance.
Shuaibu stated that the drones are classified equipment requiring official permits and an End User Certificate issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). One suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident.
“These drones, along with other seized items, carry a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦377 million,” the Controller revealed.
National Security and Ongoing Investigation
The Customs chief said the arms and ammunition will be transferred to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution, in line with inter-agency collaboration protocols.
“This interception is a testament to our unwavering resolve under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to disrupt the activities of non-state actors and defend Nigeria’s national security,” he said.
He reiterated that any attempt to smuggle arms, drones, or other regulated items without proper authorisation would be treated as an act of sabotage and met with swift enforcement action.
Bravery, Intelligence, and Public Support Key to Success
Shuaibu praised his officers for their bravery, intelligence-gathering, and tactical execution, which he said were crucial to the success of the operation.
“Smuggling thrives in secrecy. That’s why we’re calling on all patriotic Nigerians to be our eyes and ears. Report suspicious activity, your vigilance could prevent a national crisis,” he urged.
He stressed that the Customs Service will remain vigilant and proactive in securing Nigeria’s borders and preventing criminal elements from trafficking illicit arms and contraband.
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