The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted firearms, ammunition, and industrial drones valued at over ₦377 million during intensified anti-smuggling operations across Ogun and Ondo States.
Confirming the development, the Service said the seizures, which included 15 rifles, 4,841 rounds of live ammunition, and two industrial drones, were the outcome of sustained surveillance and intelligence-led patrols in border communities notorious for smuggling activities.
The seizures were made by the combined efforts of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A and the Joint Border Patrol Team, both operating within the Southwest. According to Customs, the items were concealed in vehicles and packages designed to evade detection.
The Comptroller in charge of the operation disclosed that the firearms and ammunition had been handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, for further investigation and appropriate action.
“The duty of the Service goes beyond revenue collection; it extends to safeguarding national security,” he said. “These seizures reinforce our commitment to curbing the influx of arms and ammunition that could pose grave threats to peace and stability.”
He further stated that the recovered items would have endangered lives if they had slipped through security checks, stressing that the collaboration between Customs and other security agencies was yielding results in the fight against smuggling and illegal arms proliferation.
The Service urged members of the public, especially residents of border communities, to cooperate by providing credible intelligence on smuggling activities, adding that the government remained determined to protect the nation’s borders.