In a decisive move against illicit trade, operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted a cache of arms, ammunition, and two industrial drones, collectively valued at more than ₦377 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV).
Briefing journalists at the FOU headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, the Unit Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed that the seizures formed part of intensified operations aimed at dismantling smuggling networks across the South-West.
According to him, Customs officers intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle attempting to move contraband through bush paths near Ilara, Ogun State. On inspection, officers discovered 15 assorted rifles—comprising 14 JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms manufactured in Italy and one Mossberg pump-action shotgun made in the United States (Serial No. P256630).
The rifles, some bearing serial numbers such as 22-0743, 602-H22YT-556, and 698-H21PT-24, were concealed within bales of second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti. Officers also recovered 4,841 rounds of live ammunition, two bales and a sack of used clothing, and two cartons of Danu Spaghetti.
“Upon sighting our officers, the driver and a passenger abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush,” Shuaibu explained.
In a separate operation along the Akure–Ore axis in Ondo State, another patrol team intercepted a Volkswagen Sprinter bus at around 9:10 a.m. on 9 August 2025. The vehicle was found to be transporting two industrial drones hidden inside a wooden box without any valid documentation. One suspect was arrested in connection with this seizure.
Shuaibu stressed that the unauthorised importation of arms, ammunition, and drones—without End User Certificates from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)—constitutes a direct breach of national security regulations.
“These seizures underscore the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment, under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, to combatting smuggling and safeguarding our borders from the activities of non-state actors,” he stated.
Commending the professionalism and courage of his officers, Shuaibu attributed the successful operations to strategic planning, intelligence-led action, and effective tactical execution. He urged members of the public to support law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious movements within their communities.
“In line with our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized arms and ammunition will be transferred to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he concluded.