Video: Customs seizes thousands of ammunition, drones, hands over to NCCSALW
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the seizure of thousands of rounds of ammunition, industrial drones, and assorted firearms concealed in everyday goods.
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The items were intercepted during coordinated patrols in Ogun and Ondo States, highlighting the agency’s ongoing fight against national security threats.
Speaking to journalists in Ikeja on Tuesday, the Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, revealed that on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at approximately 2:13 a.m., a patrol team acting on credible intelligence stopped a Nissan Almera near the Ilara bush paths at the Ogun State border.
According to him, the vehicle’s occupants abandoned it upon spotting officers.
Inside the car, Customs found 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic rifles, one used Mossberg pump-action shotgun, totaling 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, all hidden within cartons of spaghetti and bales of used clothing.
He further detailed a separate incident on Saturday, August 9, at 9:10 a.m., when Customs intercepted a Volkswagen Sprinter bus carrying industrial drones concealed in a wooden box along the Akure-Ore axis in Ondo State.
One suspect was arrested during the operation.
Shuaibu emphasised the gravity and professionalism behind the operation stressing, “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 total duty paid value of the seized drones, firearms, ammunition, and goods including cartons of spaghetti and used clothing was estimated at N377,110,800.00.
Highlighting the legal requirements associated with such imports, Shuaibu cautioned, “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.”
Reiterating the Customs Service’s commitment to curbing illicit activities, he added, “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, MFR, to disrupt the activities of non-state actors and safeguard national security.”
He thereby handed over the firearms, ammunition, drones, and related seized goods to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and prosecution.
Shuaibu also called on Nigerians to assist in combating insecurity stating, “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.”
In his remark, NCCSALW’s representative, CP Abiodun Alamutu rtd, commended the FOU Customs for their intensified efforts in operations.
Alamutu expressed his appreciation, saying, “We are grateful to the FOU Customs for stepping up their operations. Their dedication plays a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by illicit arms and ensuring security.
He further emphasised the need for increased cooperation between the two bodies, stating, “There is a pressing need for greater synergy between the Customs and NCCSALW. Together, we can enhance our effectiveness in combating illegal arms trafficking and promoting peace and security.”
