The Nigeria Customs Service, operating at the Tin-Can Island Command, has made a significant interception of arms and ammunition alongside military camouflage and illicit drugs, including Colorado. The seizure, carried out by vigilant customs officers, is part of a broader effort to combat smuggling and ensure national security.
Among the intercepted items were automatic single barrel rifles and pump action guns, suggesting an attempt by criminal gangs to smuggle these dangerous weapons into the country. The operation was conducted during a routine inspection of imported consignments, highlighting the Customs Service’s commitment to scrutinizing incoming goods for prohibited items.
As of now, the full details of the interception remain limited, and it is unclear whether any arrests have been made in connection with the seized items. The authorities are likely conducting further investigations to trace the origins of these consignments and identify the individuals involved.
This recent interception comes on the heels of a similar seizure made just eight months prior, when the Customs Service confiscated 31 arms of various types at the Tin-Can and Multi-Purpose Terminals (PTML) ports in Lagos. During that operation, two suspects were arrested, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria in curbing the illegal arms trade.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, has reiterated the Service’s dedication to thwarting smuggling activities and safeguarding the nation’s borders. These efforts are crucial in preventing the proliferation of arms and ammunition that can fuel violence and criminality within the country.