The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, has announced the interception of arms, ammunition, and industrial grade drones with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦377,110,800.00.
This was disclosed by the Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu during a press briefing at Ikeja on 2nd September, 2025.
Comptroller Shuaibu said that the seizures were made during two coordinated operations in Ogun and Ondo States, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle smuggling networks threatening Nigeria’s internal security.
According to him, the first interception occurred at the early hours of Thursday, 7th August 2025, when operatives acting on credible intelligence stopped a Nissan Almera vehicle attempting to pass through bush paths in Ilara, Ogun State. The driver and passenger fled on sighting the Customs patrol team, abandoning the vehicle.
He said a thorough inspection of the vehicle revealed a disturbing haul: 15 rifles, 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic rifles and one Mossberg pump-action shotgun, alongside 4,891 rounds of live ammunition. The weapons were cleverly hidden among bales of secondhand clothing and cartons of Danu Spaghetti, indicating an attempt to evade detection through deceptive concealment techniques.
The CAC said just two days later, on Friday, 9th August 2025, another patrol team operating along the Akure–Ore axis in Ondo State intercepted a Volkswagen Sprinter bus suspected of transporting unapproved equipment. Upon inspection, two industrial drones were discovered, hidden inside a wooden box, with no supporting documents such as import permits or End User Certificates as required by law. One suspect was arrested at the scene.
Shuaibu warned that the illegal importation of such security-sensitive items constitutes a direct threat to national stability and is treated with the utmost seriousness by the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies.
He stressed that the importation of arms, ammunition, and drones of this nature requires valid regulatory approval, including an End User Certificate issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). He added that failure to comply with these legal requirements is a deliberate affront to national security and will be met with swift and decisive enforcement action.
The Comptroller praised the Customs officers involved in the operations, acknowledging the complexity of such seizures, which rely heavily on actionable intelligence, tactical planning, and field execution. He commended their professionalism and bravery, stating that their efforts continue to play a pivotal role in the Service’s mission to suppress smuggling across the Southwest region.
As part of established inter-agency collaboration, Comptroller Shuaibu confirmed that the seized arms and ammunition would be formally handed over to the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General of the NCCSALW, CP Alamutua Bido (Rtd), the South West Zonal Director of the agency, commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his relentless efforts in curbing smuggling and illicit importation into the country . He described the operation as a strong indication of their collective resolve to eliminate arms trafficking and urged smugglers to abandon their unlawful trade or face the full weight of the law. He also appealed for sustained collaboration between both agencies.
