The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, says it has intercepted a cache of firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and other contraband items in the South-West.
The Area Controller of the unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.
According to him, operatives acting on credible intelligence intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle along Ilara bush paths in Ogun State.
The suspects, a driver and passenger, fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle which was later found to be laden with arms hidden inside bales of second-hand clothes and cartons of spaghetti.
“A total of 15 assorted rifles and 4,841 rounds of ammunition were discovered. These included 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms manufactured in Italy and one Mossberg pump-action shotgun made in the USA,” Shuaibu explained.
He added that another patrol team made a separate seizure along the Akure-Ore axis in Ondo State, where a Volkswagen Sprinter bus was found carrying drones packed in a wooden box without proper documentation. One suspect was arrested in connection with the incident.
“The drones, second-hand clothing, and cartons of spaghetti all carry a duty paid value of about N377 million. These seizures underscore our determination to suppress smuggling and protect Nigeria’s security,” the comptroller said.
Shuaibu stressed that the importation of firearms, ammunition, and drones without the approval of the Office of the National Security Adviser is a serious offence. “Any deviation from these regulatory requirements will be treated as an attempt to undermine national security. Such acts will attract swift and decisive action,” he warned.
He commended his officers for what he described as “bravery, professionalism, and tactical execution,” noting that their intelligence gathering was crucial to the success of the operations.
“The unit remains resolute and vigilant in its mission. At a time when our nation faces complex security challenges, every Nigerian has a role to play by reporting suspicious movements in their communities,” Shuaibu added.
The seized arms and ammunition, he said, would be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution.