The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted arms, ammunition, and military-grade drones worth over ₦377 million (\$230,000) in a major operation targeting the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The seizure, one of the largest in recent months, was made at the Tincan Island Command in Lagos during a routine scan of a container from Eastern Europe. Concealed among electronics and machinery, the shipment contained more than 200 assault rifles, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and several unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) with surveillance and potential explosive capabilities.
Preliminary findings indicated the consignment was headed for criminal networks in the North-Central and North-East, regions struggling with insecurity. Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi praised the officers’ vigilance, noting that advanced scanning technology and intelligence sharing with other security agencies were key to the success. He stressed that the operation not only averted greater insecurity but also disrupted illicit trade that undermines the economy.
The suspects have been transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation, with the NCS pledging to dismantle the network behind the smuggling attempt. The interception comes as the federal government intensifies measures against arms trafficking amid rising attacks by armed groups in 2025. The NCS urged citizens to report suspicious activities, reiterating its zero tolerance stance on smuggling.
Source: https://www.nigerianeye.com/
