By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, has successfully intercepted a cache of firearms, ammunition, and two industrial drones in a series of coordinated operations across Ogun and Ondo States.
This significant seizure has dealt a heavy blow to smuggling syndicates threatening national security.
Speaking on Tuesday during a press conference, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu,said the operations were carried out on the basis of credible intelligence and executed with precision by his Officers.
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“On August7,2025, at about2:13 a.m., a patrol team intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle along Ilara bush paths near the Ogun border.
“The occupants abandoned the car and fled into the forest, leaving behind a deadly cargo concealed under bales of second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti.
“A thorough search revealed15 assorted rifles, including14 JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms of Italian origin and one Mossberg pump-action shotgun made in the United States. Additionally,4,841 rounds of live ammunition, two bales and one sack of second-hand clothing, and two cartons of spaghetti were recovered.
“In a separate operation two days later, on August9 at9:10 a.m., another patrol team along the Akure-Ore axis in Ondo State intercepted a Volkswagen Sprinter bus carrying two industrial drones packed inside a wooden box. One suspect was arrested after failing to present proper documentation for the drones.
“The duty paid value (DPV) of the seizures, including the firearms, ammunition, drones, and other goods, was estimated at N377,110,800.
Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that the arrests demonstrated the Service’s determination to disrupt the operations of non-state actors and secure Nigeria’s borders.
“The importation of arms, ammunition, or drones requires valid permits and an End User Certificate from the Office of the National Security Adviser. Any deviation is a direct assault on national security and will be met with swift and decisive action”
While the smugglers evaded arrest, Comptroller Shuaibu assured that efforts are being intensified to apprehend the perpetrators of the crime.
The seized arms and ammunition were handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and prosecution.
