The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has completed the detailed examination and coupling of a large consignment of firearms intercepted at the Tin Can Island Port Command, uncovering 399 fully assembled Jojef rifles and several critical firearm components.
The discovery was made during a comprehensive examination of the seized shipment, which initially contained what customs authorities described as knocked down firearm components.
Among the items recovered were firearm frames, heat shields, trigger groups and barrels, which customs officials said formed part of the illicit consignment.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, had earlier announced the interception of the container containing the firearm components, raising concerns over attempts by criminal networks to exploit Nigeria’s ports and borders for the movement of illegal arms.
Adeniyi warned that criminal elements could intensify efforts to smuggle weapons into the country ahead of general election cycles, potentially posing a significant threat to national security.
He said the Nigeria Customs Service was strengthening intelligence-led enforcement operations and border surveillance to prevent illicit arms and other prohibited items from entering the country.
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According to the service, the latest discovery underscores the importance of sustained monitoring of Nigeria’s maritime entry points and closer collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies.
The NCS said it was taking steps to ensure that the seized weapons are permanently removed from circulation. The firearms and other recovered armaments are expected to be formally handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons under the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The Customs leadership also stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling international arms trafficking networks, identifying those behind the illegal shipment and ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The seizure comes amid heightened security concerns over the proliferation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons, which security agencies have identified as a major threat to peace and stability in Nigeria.
