The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 399 Jojeff pump-action rifles and 535 assorted firearm components at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.
The seizure has raised fresh concerns over attempts to smuggle arms into the country as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, 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, saying the interception had prevented hundreds of firearms from reaching criminal elements.
He said the operation also highlighted 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 the Service would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering and risk-management systems while working with other security agencies to identify and apprehend those involved in arms trafficking.
Adeniyi also disclosed that the Federal High Court in Lagos had remanded two suspects arrested in connection with the seizure, with their arraignment scheduled for Aug. 25, 2026.
He warned Customs personnel who might facilitate the illegal importation of firearms, stressing that 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 the Customs Service for its professionalism and continued cooperation in the fight against illicit arms and ammunition.
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Babatunde said the weapons would be handled in accordance with Nigerian laws and international best practices governing small arms and light weapons.
He added that 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 line with established procedures.
