The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, says it intercepted 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, drones, and other contraband items in August as part of an intensified crackdown on smuggling networks across the South-West.
Customs Area Controller, Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed this during a press briefing at the unit’s headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday, noting that the seizures were made following credible intelligence.
According to him, operatives intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle laden with contraband through the Ilara bush path near the Ogun border. The driver and a passenger abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush on sighting officers.
“A thorough search of the vehicle revealed the arms and ammunition concealed within second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti,” Shuaibu stated.
The seizures included:
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14 JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms (Italy-made) with serial numbers including 22-0743, 602-H22YT-556, 602-H22YT-700, and others.
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One Mossberg pump-action shotgun (USA-made) with serial number P256630.
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4,841 rounds of ammunition.
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Two cartons of spaghetti, two bales, and one sack of used clothing.
In a separate operation, another patrol team intercepted a Volkswagen Sprinter bus along the Akure-Ore axis in Ondo State, concealing industrial drones in a wooden box without proper documentation. One suspect was arrested.
Shuaibu said the contraband—including drones, clothing, and spaghetti—carried a duty-paid value of N377 million.
He emphasised that the seizures highlight the NCS’s commitment under Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi to disrupting non-state actors, safeguarding national security, and ensuring compliance with import regulations.
“These efforts reflect our dedication to combating smuggling and restoring law and order. Importation of arms, ammunition, or drones of this nature requires valid approval and an End User Certificate from the Office of the National Security Adviser,” Shuaibu warned.
The seized arms and ammunition will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Shuaibu commended his officers for their bravery and professionalism, while calling on Nigerians to support security agencies with timely intelligence to curb smuggling and criminal activity.
