13th February ,2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has formally handed over 1,599 assorted firearms and 2,298 live cartridges to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), reinforcing its commitment to national security and border protection.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, presided over the handover ceremony on Thursday at the Federal Operations Unit Zone “A” in Lagos. He disclosed that the arms and ammunition were intercepted in 2018 in three containers at the Tin Can Island Port, concealed within everyday items such as Plaster of Paris (POP) cement and sanitary wares.
Adeniyi emphasized that the successful seizure and transfer of the weapons underscore Customs’ determination to combat arms smuggling. “We will spare no resource in hunting down, exposing, and prosecuting anyone attempting to compromise our national security through arms trafficking,” he declared.
He detailed the painstaking efforts that led to the interceptions, including forensic analysis and diplomatic engagements with the Turkish Embassy. This collaboration identified the purchasing company behind the shipment, leading to the conviction of Great James Oil and Gas Limited and individuals involved in the case.
“This prosecution success reinforces the Service’s zero-tolerance stance against arms trafficking and validates the effectiveness of our judicial collaboration,” Adeniyi added.
Receiving the seized arms, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by NCCSALW Director-General Babatunde Kokumo, assured Nigerians that the weapons would be disposed of in accordance with international best practices. He cited President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to tackling arms proliferation.
“The President’s leadership has significantly mitigated security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping,” Ribadu said. “This achievement reflects the cooperation of security agencies in keeping Nigeria safe.”
He called on all stakeholders to remain vigilant, emphasizing that collective efforts were crucial in securing the nation.
