In a significant operation highlighting the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to national security, the Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC) of the service has seized a large cache of unassembled firearms and military paraphernalia at Lagos’ main airport. Comptroller General of Customs; Bashir Adewale Adeniyi announced the details during a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday.
The seizure was intercepted less than 48 hours after announcing the interception of a container of arms at Onne Port, Rivers State.
Showcasing the seizure, the Customs CG Adewale Adeniyi noted the NCS resolve to secure national borders, seaports, and airports, while also commanding officers at the Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC) over the seized arms and military paraphernalia valued at N1.57 billion.
The seizure includes 55 unassembled JOJEF Magnum (Tomahawk) semi-automatic shotguns, concealed within packages labeled as shower faucets. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these firearms is estimated at N270,888,109.29.
He further revealed that in addition to the firearms, various military and paramilitary items without proper end-user certificates were also seized.
The items, valued at N1,298,019,276.91, include 148 drones, 172 ballistic vests, and numerous camouflage uniforms.
He said, “acting on reliable intelligence from both local and international sources, Customs officers conducted thorough inspections of consignments arriving from Turkey on June 19, 2024.
“This led to the discovery of 55 unassembled JOJEF Magnum (Tomahawk) semi-automatic shotguns, concealed within packages labeled as shower faucets. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these firearms is estimated at N270,888,109.29.”
He informed that a suspect linked to the illegal shipment is currently in custody, aiding ongoing investigations to identify the wider network involved in this operation.
According to Adeniyi, intelligence has traced these activities to certain Nigerians residing in Turkey who are orchestrating the smuggling of illicit arms into Nigeria.
Adeniyi assured the public that, “all our Commands are on high alert to intercept any such illicit arms importation”. He added that, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized firearms will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the office of the National Security Adviser, for further investigation and prosecution. The suspect will also be transferred to this center for additional processing.
Adeniyi praised the diligence of the Customs officers involved in the operation, particularly Customs Area Comptroller MMAC, MT Awe, for their exceptional professionalism and dedication.
He also extended gratitude to the NCS’s local and international partners whose intelligence was crucial to the interception.
Adeniyi emphasized the Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and national security, warning that any attempts to smuggle arms into the country would be met with swift and decisive action.
He stressed that under his leadership, the NCS will continue to prioritize the security of Nigeria’s frontiers, ensuring that acts threatening national security and economic stability are effectively countered.
