The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 399 Jojeff pump-action rifles and 535 assorted firearm components at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos, and formally handed over the seizures toNational Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) on Monday, 17th August.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who officially handed over the seized arms and components labelled the seizure as significant, considering the security challenges currently faced by he country adding that the interception had prevented criminal elements from accessing hundreds of firearms.
He addressed the operation, highlighting the growing role of technology in uncovering illicit consignments at the nation’s ports, while commending the Federal Government’s investiment of technology in he Customs Service.
He reiterated the Authority’s commitment to ensuring safety of Nigerians, highlighting that he Authority’s officers would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering and risk-management systems while collaborating with other security agencies to apprehend those involved in arms trafficking
“We will not allow the ports and the borders of this country to be used to bring in arms or anything else that threatens the safety of Nigerians,” he said.
The Comptroller-General also revealed that two suspects arrested in connection with the seizure, reprimanded by the Federal High Court in Lagos and their arraignment scheduled for August 25, 2026.
He also issued a stern warning to Customs personnel who participate in similar illegal activities, emphasizing that the Authority will not protect such personnel.
“Any officer who lends himself to this trade or who uses his position to ease the passage of goods like this will not and never find shelter or protection within the Nigeria Customs Service.”he stated.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Johnson Babatunde (Rtd.), upon receiving the seizures commended the Comptroller-General and the Customs Service at large for their displayed professionalism and unyielding commitment towards the fight against illicit arms and ammunition.
He assured that the weapons would be handled in line with Nigerian laws and international best practices governing small arms and light weapons and that he NCCSALW would immediately perform due processes on the documents received.
He explained that serviceable weapons required for authorised use by recognized security agencies would be properly accounted for, while obsolete, illegal and unserviceable firearms would be destroyed, following established procedures.