Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - As part of an ongoing offensive to dismantle smuggling networks within the Southwest region of the country, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A (FOU A), yesterday in Lagos, announced significant interceptions of firearms, ammunition, and two industrial drones.
Displaying the seized items during a press conference, Head
of FOU, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, said its patrol teams, acting on credible
intelligence, intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle suspected of conveying
prohibited items via the Ilara bush paths near the border in Ogun State.
According to him, “Upon sighting our officers, the driver
and one passenger abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest.
A thorough search of the intercepted vehicle revealed the following items,
carefully concealed within second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti.”
He stated the intercepted items include: 14 used JOJEF
Magnum semi-automatic firearms (designed in Italy) with the following serial
numbers: I. 22-0743, II. 602-H22YT-556, III. 602-H22YT-700, IV. 698-H21PT-24
(Pump Action), V. 602-H22YT-586, VI. 602-H22YT-551, VII. 602-H22YT-566, VIII.
19KS-0193, IX. 602-H22YT-415, X. 22-1809, XI. 22-1466, XII. 602-H22YT-642,
XIII. 602-H22YT-583 and XIV. 602-H22YT-572.
Others, he added, are: One used Mossberg pump action shotgun
(Made in USA) Serial No. P256630, 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of
ammunition, 2 cartons of Danu Spaghetti (20 pieces per carton) and 2 bales and
1 sack of used clothing.
“Additionally, another patrol team made a separate
interception of a Volkswagen Sprinter bus suspected to convey drones in a
wooden box along the Akure- Ore axis in Ondo State while on a routine patrol.
The arrest occurred at about 0910hrs of 9th August 2025.
“Further investigation of the bus confirms the drones to be industrial drones
without proper documents. One suspect was arrested in connection with the
seizure. The drones, second-hand clothing, and cartons of spaghetti have a duty
paid value (DPV) of N377, 110,800.00,” he said.
The interception of the threatening security items, he
stressed, underscores the unwavering commitment of the NCSunder the leadership
of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to disrupt the
activities of non-state actors and safeguard national security.
These efforts, he added, reflect the NCS’s dedication to combating smuggling
and criminality at Nigeria’s borders while restoring law and order.
“Let me take this opportunity to reiterate that the
importation of arms, ammunition, or drones of this nature requires valid
approval, permits, and an End User Certificate from the Office of the National
Security Adviser (ONSA).
“Any deviation from these regulatory requirements will be
treated as a deliberate attempt to undermine national security and will be met
with swift and decisive action by all relevant security agencies, including the
NCS.
“These kinds of seizures are not achieved without serious
planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution. I therefore commend
the bravery, professionalism, and commitment of our officers, whose efforts
made this successful interception possible. The unit remains resolute and
vigilant in its mission to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum.
“At a time when our nation faces complex security
challenges, it is imperative that all stakeholders remain aligned in our
collective efforts to prevent these non-state actors from achieving their
criminal objectives.
“I therefore call on all well-meaning Nigerians to report
suspicious movements or activities within their communities. Your vigilance is
critical to enabling law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties
effectively, “he said.
In line with the NCS’s commitment to fostering inter-agency
collaboration, the intercepted arms and ammunition will be handed over to the
National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for
further investigation and possible prosecution.
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