Nigeria Customs intercepted rifles, 4,891 rounds of ammunition, and drones worth ₦377m in Ogun and Ondo, reinforcing its fight against smuggling
Customs Intercepts Rifles, Ammunition, Drones Worth ₦377m in Ogun, Ondo
Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, have intercepted a large cache of firearms, ammunition, and industrial drones in separate anti-smuggling operations across Ogun and Ondo States.
Announcing the breakthrough on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu said the seizures were based on credible intelligence and swift tactical response by patrol teams.
According to him, officers on night patrol intercepted a Nissan Almera along the Ilara bush paths in Ogun State at about 14:13 hours on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The suspects fled on sighting Customs operatives, abandoning the vehicle.
“A search of the vehicle revealed 15 assorted rifles, including 14 JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms from Italy and one Mossberg pump-action shotgun from the USA, alongside 4,891 rounds of ammunition. The weapons were carefully concealed within second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti,” Shuaibu disclosed.
In a related operation two days later, another patrol team stopped a Volkswagen Sprinter bus along the Akure–Ore axis in Ondo State at about 9:10 hours on Friday, August 9, 2025. On inspection, officers discovered two industrial drones hidden in a wooden box without valid documents.
Shuaibu revealed that the seized items — including rifles, ammunition, drones, clothing, and food products — had a Duty-Paid Value (DPV) of ₦377,110,800.00. One suspect was arrested during the operations.
“These seizures underscore the Service’s unwavering commitment to national security under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. 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 will be treated as a deliberate attempt to undermine national security,” he stated.
He praised the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved.
“These interceptions are impossible without serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution. The Unit remains resolute and vigilant in its mission to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum,” Shuaibu added.
The seized arms and ammunition were handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation.
Speaking on behalf of the NCCSALW Director-General, CP Alamutua Abiodun (rtd), the Southwest Zonal Director commended Customs for what he described as a landmark interception.
“This interception is proof of our collective determination to frustrate the efforts of those seeking to destabilise the country,” he said.
Shuaibu also appealed for public vigilance, urging Nigerians to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. Read More
