Lagos, Nigeria – In a coordinated enforcement operation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A (FOU A), announced on Tuesday that it had seized a significant cache of firearms, ammunition, and industrial drones.
The operation forms part of the service’s ongoing effort to dismantle smuggling networks across the South-West region of Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the Customs Area Comptroller of FOU A, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, stated that one of the unit’s patrol teams acted on credible intelligence to intercept a vehicle carrying prohibited items along the Ilara bush paths near the Ogun State border.
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Comptroller Shuaibu explained, “On Thursday, 7th August 2025, at approximately 0213hrs, one of our patrol teams, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle suspected of conveying prohibited items via the Ilara bush paths near the border in Ogun State. Upon sight of our officers, the driver and one passenger abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest.”
He added, “A thorough search of the intercepted vehicle revealed the following items carefully concealed within second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti: 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms (designed in Italy) with serial numbers—22-0743, 602-H22YT-556, 602-H22YT-700, 698-H21PT-24 (pump action), 602-H22YT-586, 602-H22YT-551, 602-H22YT-566, 19KS-0193, 602-H22YT-415, 22-1809, 22-1466, 602-H22YT-642, 602-H22YT-58, and 602-H22YT-572. Also, one used Mossberg pump-action shotgun (made in the USA) with serial no. P256630 was found, bringing the total to 15 assorted rifles.”
The comptroller further disclosed that the operation resulted in the seizure of 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two cartons of Danu spaghetti (20 pieces per carton), and two bales plus one sack of used clothing.
In another operation, he noted, “A patrol team intercepted a Volkswagen Sprinter bus suspected of conveying drones in a wooden box along the Akure–Ore axis in Ondo State during a routine patrol. The arrest occurred at about 0910hrs on 9th August 2025. Further investigation confirmed the drones to be industrial models without proper documentation. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure. The drones, along with second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti, have a duty paid value (DPV) of ₦377,110,800.00 only.”
Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that these seizures reflect the NCS’s commitment, under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to disrupt non-state actors and safeguard national security. “These efforts highlight the service’s dedication to combating smuggling and criminal activities at our borders while restoring law and order,” he said.
He reminded the public, “The importation of arms, ammunition, or drones of this nature requires valid approval, permits, and an end user certificate from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Any deviation from these regulatory requirements will be treated as a deliberate attempt to undermine national security and will be met with swift and decisive action by all relevant security agencies, including the NCS.”
Acknowledging the efforts of his team, Comptroller Shuaibu stated, “These kinds of seizures are not achieved without serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution. I commend the bravery, professionalism, and commitment of our officers, whose efforts made this successful interception possible. The unit remains resolute and vigilant in its mission to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum.”
He urged citizens to support security agencies: “At a time when our nation faces complex security challenges, it is imperative that all stakeholders remain aligned in our collective efforts to prevent these non-state actors from achieving their criminal objectives. I call on all well-meaning Nigerians to report suspicious movements or activities within their communities. Your vigilance is critical to enabling law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties effectively.”
Finally, Comptroller Shuaibu confirmed that the intercepted arms and ammunition will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and potential prosecution.
