Nigerian Customs Seizes 399 R!fles, 535 Gun Parts At Lagos Port, Warns Arms Traffickers Ahead Of 2027 Elections
Nigerian Customs Seizes 399 Rifles, 535 Gun Parts At Lagos Port, Warns Arms Traffickers Ahead Of 2027 Elections
Adeniyi described the seizure as significant amid the country’s security challenges, saying the interception had prevented hundreds of firearms from reaching criminal elements.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 399 Jojeff pump-action rifles and 535 assorted firearm components at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos, raising fresh concerns over attempts to smuggle arms into Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on Monday formally handed over the seized weapons and components to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).
Adeniyi described the seizure as significant amid the country’s security challenges, saying the interception had prevented hundreds of firearms from reaching criminal elements.
He said the operation also demonstrated the growing role of technology in detecting illicit consignments at the nation’s ports, while commending the Federal Government for investing in the modernisation of the Customs Service.
“We will not allow the ports and the borders of this country to be used to bring in arms or anything else that threatens the safety of Nigerians,” Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss said officers would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering and risk-management systems while working with other security agencies to track down those involved in arms trafficking.
Customs
Adeniyi further disclosed that the Federal High Court in Lagos had remanded two suspects arrested in connection with the seizure, with their arraignment scheduled for August 25, 2026.
He also issued a stern warning to Customs personnel who might facilitate the illegal importation of firearms, saying such officers would not receive protection from the Service.
“What stands on record today is that these rifles will never be fired in this country,” he said.
“Any officer who lends himself to this trade or who uses his position to ease the passage of goods like this will not and never find shelter or protection within the Nigeria Customs Service.”
Receiving the seized weapons, the Director-General of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Johnson Babatunde (Rtd.), commended Adeniyi and the Customs Service for their professionalism and continued cooperation in the fight against illicit arms and ammunition.
Babatunde said the weapons would be handled in line with Nigerian laws and international best practices governing small arms and light weapons.
He said the NCCSALW would immediately catalogue, profile and document all the items handed over by Customs.
According to him, serviceable weapons required for authorised use by state security agencies would be properly accounted for, while obsolete, illegal and unserviceable firearms would be destroyed in accordance with established procedures.
The seizure comes amid heightened concerns over the movement of illicit firearms and the potential use of such weapons to fuel violence and insecurity as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
