The Nigeria Customs Service has handed over a cache of smuggled arms and ammunition to the office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Officials confirmed the transfer of 1,599 assorted firearms and 2,298 live cartridges to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Lagos on Thursday.
This move aligns with efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms in Nigeria, the Service reports.
President Bola Tinubu reinforced this commitment by signing the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 into law on June 4, 2024.
At the official handover ceremony at the Federal Operation Unit Zone “A”, Ikeja, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the service’s mandate to protect national borders through intelligence-driven operations, The Nations reports.
“The track record of the service in intercepting illegal arms and ammunition underscores our frontline role in maintaining national security,” he stated.
He linked the seizure to ongoing security challenges, emphasising that transnational smuggling networks contribute to domestic threats.
Adeniyi recalled past operations, saying, “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.”
He detailed the forensic efforts that led to the identification and prosecution of smugglers: “We deployed forensic capabilities to analyse customs documentation and shipping records.
“Through diplomatic engagement with the Turkish Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we traced the purchasing company.
“The investigation, supported by financial records obtained through court orders, identified those behind the illegal shipment.”
Adeniyi also cited the prosecution of key offenders: “Through strategic inter-agency cooperation with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, we successfully prosecuted the case (Suit No: FHC/L/339C/2018) before the Federal High Court in Lagos. Great James Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeuwa Moses Christ, and Emeka Umeh Festus (A.K.A. Amankwa) were convicted on eight counts. This prosecution success reinforces our zero-tolerance stance against arms trafficking.”
Highlighting the significance of the latest handover, Adeniyi stated, “This symbolises the service’s commitment to proper disposal of seized arms and our resolve to rid our nation of illegal weapons. We will continue collaborating with relevant authorities to strengthen our borders and protect our nation.”
Representing the National Security Adviser, the Director General of NCCSALW, Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd), commended the Customs Service’s efforts.
“The leadership of Customs Service has shown steadfast determination, which is key to our collective fight against the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons,” he said.
He referenced a major seizure: “I recall with pride the notable arms bust of July 2024 when the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition at Onne, Port Harcourt.
“The recovered weapons were promptly handed over to the National Centre, and suspects, including the principal suspect, Ali Samson Ofoma, along with nine accomplices, were arrested in Abuja and are now facing prosecution.”
Kokumo emphasised the Centre’s broader role: “Beyond receiving illegally acquired arms, we implement and supervise strategies and policies, collaborate with law enforcement and international bodies such as ECOWAS, the AU, and the UN, and manage a national weapons database.
“We also secure recovered arms and remove obsolete stockpiles to prevent security risks.”
He reaffirmed the National Security Adviser’s commitment: “Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has provided the necessary support for the Centre to perform its core functions, mitigating threats such as terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry.
“Our collective efforts will continue to build a safer Nigeria.”
