By Beadysword News Blog

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has uncovered the identities of two suspected importers linked to a shipment containing 399 fully assembled JOJEF pump-action rifles and a large quantity of firearm components intercepted at the Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos

 https://youtu.be/Dd0FrIBqwuA?si=-5L-Fy3-WXkHASv8

The seizure, which authorities described as a major national security intervention, has raised fresh concerns over the illegal movement of firearms into Nigeria, particularly as the country approaches another election season.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed the development on Monday in Lagos while formally handing over the seized weapons to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

According to the Customs Service, the suspects linked to the consignment have been identified as Robert Eze and Ejiogu Godson. Both men have reportedly been arrested and remanded by the Federal High Court in Lagos, with their arraignment scheduled for August 25.

One of the suspects was allegedly arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container containing the firearms.

How the Firearms Were Intercepted

The consignment reportedly arrived at the Tin-Can Island Port on July 8 aboard the vessel MV VELIKA.

The container was flagged by the Nigeria Customs Service’s risk-management system for physical inspection. During the examination, Customs officers discovered that the firearms had been dismantled and concealed in knocked-down form, a method allegedly designed to disguise the weapons and evade detection.

Beyond the 399 rifles, Customs said the consignment also contained significant firearm components, including 89 frames, 80 charging handles, 579 trigger groups and 25 locking lugs.

Dr Adeniyi said the quantity of firearms could have had serious consequences for Nigeria’s security if the shipment had reached its intended destination.

He warned that illicit firearms could further fuel terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime, stressing the importance of effective border control.

The Customs boss attributed the successful interception to investments in technology under the Trade Modernisation Project, particularly the B’Odogwu platform, which integrates cargo clearance, automated risk management, cargo tracking and non-intrusive inspection.

He explained that modern technology enables Customs to identify high-risk consignments for closer examination, rather than physically inspecting every container entering the country.

According to him, the technology’s objective goes beyond revenue collection to include protecting national security and preventing dangerous goods from entering Nigeria.

Dr Adeniyi commended the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and officers of the Tin-Can Island Command for their diligence.

He also warned Customs personnel that any officer found compromising the system would face disciplinary action.

NCCSALW Takes Custody of Seized Weapons

Receiving the firearms on behalf of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Babatunde Kokumo, said the Centre had now received 399 seized illicit weapons from the Nigeria Customs Service.

Kokumo disclosed that the Centre has recovered more than 21,000 small arms and light weapons since its establishment, with over 19,000 subsequently destroyed.

He said the recovery and destruction of illicit weapons were critical to disrupting criminal networks and reducing the proliferation of arms across the country.

The NCCSALW director-general also called for stronger cooperation among security agencies, improved intelligence sharing and sustained civil disarmament efforts to tackle the illegal circulation of firearms.

He noted that illegal weapons remain a major driver of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

Customs Reaffirms Commitment to Border Security

The Customs Area Controller of the Tin-Can Island Command, Joseph Anani, stressed that effective arms control requires close collaboration among security agencies and strict adherence to established laws and procedures for the custody and management of seized items.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to prevent the illicit movement of small arms and light weapons into Nigeria.

The latest seizure adds to growing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to prevent firearms trafficking through the country’s ports, airports and land borders.

The Nigeria Customs Service said it would continue to strengthen its surveillance, intelligence and technology-driven risk-management systems to ensure that Nigerian borders are not used as channels for the importation of arms and other dangerous goods.

Watch the Full News Report on Beadysworld TV

For viewers who want to hear the full details, including the statements from the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, watch the full news broadcast on Beadysworld TV on YouTube.https://youtu.be/Dd0FrIBqwuA?si=-5L-Fy3-WXkHASv8

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This report is published by Beadysword News Blog based on information provided by the Nigeria Customs Service