By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted another cache of rifles at the Lagos Port as it intensifies surveillance and intelligence gathering to curb the illegal importation of firearms into the country.
The Service said it would not only seize prohibited consignments but also investigate and expose the networks behind their importation, distribution and intended use.
NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Bomodi, said the agency would continue to collaborate with relevant security and regulatory authorities to identify and intercept consignments that pose a threat to national security.
“The Service will continue to collaborate with all relevant authorities to identify, intercept and investigate consignments that pose a threat to national security,” Bomodi said.
He stressed that Customs’ efforts would go beyond the physical seizure of firearms, noting that the agency was determined to dismantle the networks responsible for moving illicit arms into Nigeria.
“We will also pursue the networks behind such consignments and not merely focus on the physical seizure of the prohibited items,” he said.
According to Bomodi, the Service’s objective is to trace the entire chain involved in the illegal movement of firearms, including their source, shipment, intended destination and beneficiaries.
“Our objective is to expose the entire chain involved in the illicit movement of firearms from the source and shipment to the intended destination and beneficiaries,” he said.
He urged members of the trading community, particularly clearing agents, to provide intelligence that could assist authorities in identifying and arresting individuals involved in illegal arms shipments.
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“We also encourage members of the trading public, especially the clearing agents who may have any information that can lead to the arrest of would-be importers of these items to come forward,” Bomodi said.
He described such assistance as a patriotic duty, stressing that information from stakeholders could help security agencies disrupt the networks facilitating the illicit movement of firearms.
The latest interception comes amid heightened concerns over the use of Nigeria’s ports for the movement of illicit firearms, with security agencies stepping up surveillance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Customs Service said efforts would remain focused on identifying the individuals and networks behind illegal arms shipments and ensuring that those responsible are brought to account.
