Customs Transfers 1,599 Seized Arms, Ammunition To NSA Office In Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 1,599 confiscated firearms and 2,298 live cartridges to the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

The transfer, which took place yesterday, represents a crucial move in the fight against the illegal proliferation of weapons in Nigeria.

During the handover ceremony, Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the significance of intelligence-driven operations in enhancing national security, particularly amid escalating threats from armed banditry in the Northwest and the growing circulation of illegal arms in the Southeast.

Adeniyi also revealed that 11 individuals linked to the arms smuggling network had been handed over for further investigation and potential prosecution.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has reinforced its core mandate of protecting our national borders through targeted anti-smuggling operations and precise intelligence-driven interventions.

“Our track record in intercepting illegal arms and ammunition underscores our frontline role in maintaining national security,” Adeniyi stated.

A major breakthrough in arms seizures occurred in May 2018 when Customs intercepted 440 pump-action rifles concealed within 516 bags of Plaster of Paris (POP) cement at the Tin Can Island Port.

Further investigations led to the discovery of two additional containers (CMAU 189817/8 and GESU 255208/1) packed with firearms hidden among sanitary wares.

“Today’s handover encompasses these seizures, culminating in the recovery of 1,599 arms and 2,298 live cartridges,” Adeniyi stated.

He further detailed the sophisticated investigative approach adopted, which included forensic examination of shipping records and collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to trace the weapons back to a Turkish supplier.

Legal proceedings were subsequently initiated through the Office of the Attorney General, leading to prosecutions at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

He said, “Through strategic inter-agency cooperation, we have successfully disrupted these smuggling operations. Our resolve remains firm: the Service will spare no effort in dismantling such networks.”

Adeniyi also noted that investigations are ongoing regarding recent arms seizures at the Onne Port, where similar concealment tactics were identified.

Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration

Speaking at the event, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Johnson Kokumo, commended the effective partnership between Customs and other security agencies.

Kokumo, who also serves as the Director General of the NCCSALW, reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating the circulation of illicit weapons.

“This synergy between Customs and the National Centre underscores the importance of collective action in the fight against illegal arms trafficking. We will continue to work with international and domestic partners to ensure these weapons are permanently removed from circulation,” Kokumo said.

The transfer of these seized arms highlights Nigeria’s continued efforts to combat weapons smuggling, with security agencies intensifying operations to address growing security challenges across the country.