By Innocent Orok
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja–Lagos, on Tuesday announced the interception of firearms, ammunition, and two industrial drones as part of its ongoing efforts to dismantle smuggling networks in the Southwest region of the country.
Briefing journalists on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, the Comptroller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed that a patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle suspected of transporting prohibited items through the Ilara bush paths in Ogun State at about 0213hrs on Thursday, 7th August 2025. He said the driver and a passenger fled into the bush upon sighting Customs officers.
According to Comptroller Shuaibu, a search of the vehicle revealed 15 assorted rifles, including 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms (designed in Italy) and one Mossberg pump-action shotgun (made in the USA), 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two cartons of Danu Spaghetti, and used clothing. The items, he noted, were carefully concealed within second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti.
In a related development, Shuaibu said another patrol team intercepted a Volkswagen Sprinter bus suspected of transporting drones along the Akure–Ore axis in Ondo State. The incident occurred at about 0910hrs on Friday, 9th August 2025, during a routine patrol. Upon inspection, the team discovered two industrial drones hidden in a wooden box without proper documents. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.
He further revealed that the drones, along with the second-hand clothing and spaghetti, had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦377,110,800.00.
Comptroller Shauibu stated that the interception of the security-threatening items underscored its unwavering commitment, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, to disrupting the activities of non-state actors and safeguarding national security.
The Service noted that “the operation reflected its continued dedication to combating smuggling and criminality at the nation’s borders while working to restore law and order.
Shuaibu stressed the requirements for importing such items, saying, “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.”
He underscored the complexity of such operations and praised the officers involved. “These kinds of seizures are not achieved without serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution,” he said. “I therefore commend the bravery, professionalism, and commitment of our officers whose efforts made these interceptions possible. The unit remains resolute and vigilant in its mission to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum.”
Recognizing the broader security context, the Comptroller called for public support. “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,” he said. “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.”
Shuaibu concluded by reaffirming the NCS’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration. He stated that the seized arms and ammunition would be handed over to the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and possible prosecution
Speaking on behalf of the Director General NCCSALW, CP Alamutua Bido (rtd) director South West zone of the NCCSALW appreciated and acknowledged the great work the Comptroller General of Customs, CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been doing. He mentioned that the interception was proof of their collective determination to eliminate the efforts of those trying to undermine the government’s efforts of maintaining law and order in our country.
He advised them to change their ways, as the law would catch up with them. He also appealed that existing relationship is sustained and thanked officers for their professionalism and dedication.
