By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 399 fully assembled Jojef firearms and assorted rifle parts at the Tin Can Island Port Command in Lagos.
The seizure followed a detailed examination of a shipment initially discovered to contain crates of knocked-down firearm components concealed inside a container.
The NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, saying the firearms were confirmed after Customs officials completed the coupling and examination of the consignment.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, had earlier announced the interception of the container, saying the concealed components were initially identified as Jojef pump-action rifles.
According to the service, other recovered firearm components include 89 frames, 16 heat shields, 10 trigger pins, three pistons, 25 locking lugs and 80 charging handles.
The list also includes 39 pistol-grip screws, 34 springs, 57 trigger groups, 66 foregrip latches, 45 foregrips or handguards, four pistol grips and five barrels.
Adeniyi warned that criminal networks could exploit Nigeria’s ports, borders and airports to smuggle prohibited items into the country ahead of the next general elections.
He said the NCS would intensify surveillance and enforcement operations at the country’s entry points to prevent the movement of illicit firearms and other prohibited goods.
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The Customs boss also stressed the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and collaboration with other security agencies to dismantle networks involved in arms trafficking.
He specifically cited cooperation with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national security.
Adeniyi said the seized firearms would be handed over to the NCCSALW after the completion of the inventory and assessment.
He added that the seizure demonstrated the commitment of security agencies to removing dangerous weapons from circulation and ensuring that those behind the trafficking network are identified and prosecuted.
