Customs seizes 15 rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, drones near Ogun border

In a coordinated enforcement operation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A (FOU A), on Tuesday announced significant seizures of firearms, ammunition, and two industrial drones as part of its ongoing offensive to dismantle smuggling networks within the South-West region of the country.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos, the Customs Area Comptroller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, explained that one of the Unit’s patrol teams, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle suspected of conveying prohibited items through the Ilara bush paths near the Ogun State border, where 15 firearms and ammunition were discovered inside.

According to Comptroller Shuaibu:
“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 sighting our officers, the driver and one passenger abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest.

“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 the following 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.

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“Also, one used Mossberg pump-action shotgun (made in the USA) with Serial No. P256630 was found in the vehicle, bringing the total to 15 assorted rifles.

“We also discovered 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two cartons of Danu Spaghetti (20 pieces per carton), and two bales and one sack of used clothing.

“Additionally, another 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 drones without proper documentation. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure. The drones, second-hand clothing, and cartons of spaghetti have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦377,110,800.00 only.

“The interception of these security-threatening items underscores the unwavering commitment of the Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to disrupt the activities of non-state actors and safeguard national security. These efforts reflect the Service’s dedication to combating smuggling and criminality at our borders while restoring law and order.

“Let me take this opportunity to reiterate that 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.

“These kinds of seizures are not achieved without serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution. I therefore 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.

“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 therefore 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.

“In line with the NCS’s commitment to fostering inter-agency collaboration, 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 possible prosecution.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE