The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially transferred 1,599 assorted firearms and 2,298 live cartridges, seized during operations in 2024, to the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).
The handover ceremony, held yesterday, represents a significant step in the nation’s ongoing efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal weapons.
During the event, Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the importance of intelligence-driven operations in strengthening national security. He underscored the urgency of these efforts, particularly in response to rising insecurity caused by armed banditry in the Northwest and the spread of illicit firearms in the Southeast.
Adeniyi also disclosed that 11 suspects linked to the arms trafficking network had been handed over for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The Nigeria Customs Service has strengthened its core mandate of securing our national borders through targeted anti-smuggling operations and intelligence-driven interventions,” Adeniyi stated. “Our success in intercepting illegal arms and ammunition highlights our vital role in safeguarding national security.”
He recalled a major breakthrough in May 2018 when Customs intercepted 440 pump-action rifles hidden inside 516 bags of Plaster of Paris (POP) cement. The firearms were concealed in a 20-foot container at Tin Can Island Port. Further investigations uncovered two additional containers (CMAU 189817/8 and GESU 255208/1) packed with arms disguised among sanitary wares.
“Today’s handover includes these seized weapons, bringing the total recovery to 1,599 firearms and 2,298 live cartridges,” Adeniyi added.
The Comptroller General of Customs emphasized the advanced investigative techniques utilized, including forensic analysis of shipping records and collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to trace the illicit shipments to a Turkish company. This led to legal action through the Office of the Attorney General, resulting in prosecutions at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
“Through strategic inter-agency cooperation, we have successfully disrupted these smuggling operations,” Adeniyi stated. “Our resolve remains firm: the Service will spare no effort in dismantling such networks.”
He also revealed that investigations are ongoing into recent arms seizures at the Onne Port, where similar concealment tactics were uncovered.
Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration:
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Mr. Johnson Kokumo, praised the collaborative efforts between the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies in tackling arms smuggling.
Kokumo, who also serves as the Director General of the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to curbing the proliferation of illicit firearms.
“This partnership between Customs and the National Centre highlights the critical role of collective action in combating illegal arms trafficking,” Kokumo stated. “We will continue working with both international and domestic partners to ensure these weapons are permanently removed from circulation.”
The handover marks a significant step in Nigeria’s intensified efforts to combat arms smuggling, as security agencies enhance their operations to address growing security challenges nationwide.
