The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has transferred seized arms and ammunition to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of NCS, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this during the handover ceremony at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja on Thursday.
His words: “The Nigeria Customs Service has reinforced its core mandate of protecting our national borders through targeted anti-smuggling operations and precise intelligence-driven interventions. Our track record intercepting illegal arms and ammunition underscores our frontline role in maintaining national security. Today’s handover ceremony of seized arms to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) exemplifies our active collaboration with stakeholders in ridding our society of illicit weapons and strengthening public safety.
“In May 2018, the Service intercepted a significant cache of arms consisting of 440 pump action rifles and accessories, ingeniously concealed within 516 bags of Plaster of Paris (POP) cement in a 1x20ft container with number PONU210024/1. This seizure coincided with heightened security challenges from armed bandits in the North-West and illegal arms proliferation in the South-East, revealing the linkage between transnational smuggling networks and our domestic security challenges.”
CGC Adeniyi stated that the strategic timing and scale of the interception affirms how effective border controls serve as the Service’s first line of defence against armed criminality and its threats to national security.
He revealed that upon the seizure, the NCS deployed forensic capabilities to conduct detailed electronic analysis of customs documentation and shipping records.
“Through established diplomatic channels, we partnered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the Turkish Embassy, leading to definitive identification of the purchasing company. The investigation trail, supported by financial records obtained through court orders, enabled us to establish the identities of those behind this illegal arms shipment.
“Through strategic inter-agency cooperation, particularly with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, we successfully prosecuted the case before the High Court of Lagos, securing conviction of all perpetrators involved. This prosecution success reinforces the Service’s zero-tolerance stance against arms trafficking and validates the effectiveness of our judicial collaboration,” the Customs boss remarked.
He disclosed that the Service’s proven investigative and prosecutorial approach is currently being applied to recent seizures at the Port of Onne, where ongoing investigations continue to yield significant progress within established legal frameworks.
According to him, the Customs integrated strategy combining thorough investigation, decisive prosecution, and successful conviction has proven effective in dismantling smuggling networks.
“Let me be clear – the Service will spare no resource in hunting down, exposing, and prosecuting anyone who attempts to compromise our national security through arms trafficking. We stand ready to deploy our full arsenal of intelligence and enforcement capabilities to protect legitimate trade while ensuring Nigeria’s security interests remain paramount,” he warned.
Comptroller Adeniyi lauded the professionalism and courage of Customs officers who work tirelessly, often in challenging circumstances, to protect Nigeria’s borders.
He further stated: “To our partner agencies who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us in this fight – your support has been instrumental in these achievements. Together, we continue to build formidable barriers against those who threaten our national security.
“Let me conclude on the note that, the handover of these weapons to NCCSALW today symbolizes the Service’s commitment to proper disposal of seized arms and highlights our resolve to rid our nation of illegal weapons. We will continue the ongoing collaborations with relevant authorities to strengthen our borders and protect our nation.”
