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LAGOS, Nigeria - The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially transferred 1,599 different types of firearms and 2,298 live cartridges to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), which operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
The transfer was conducted by Comptroller General of NCS, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, at the Customs Federal Operation Unit Zone “A” in Lagos on Thursday.
Adeniyi stated that the firearms were seized back in 2018 from three containers at the Tin Can Island Port.
He emphasized that this handover illustrates the NCS's dedication to safeguarding national borders and ensuring public safety.
He also underlined the service’s readiness to allocate all necessary resources to track down, expose, and prosecute anyone involved in compromising national security through arms trafficking.
The Customs leader clarified that the transfer of the weapons to NCCSALW represents the service's commitment to the responsible disposal of confiscated arms while reaffirming its determination to eliminate illegal weapons from the nation.
He praised the professionalism and bravery of the NCS officers who were involved in the seizures, as well as the Forensics Unit for their support in securing convictions.
Adeniyi detailed that the handover includes a total of 1,599 assorted arms and 2,298 live cartridges retrieved from operations conducted from 2018 to date, totaling 3,897 items.
He recounted that in May 2018, the service intercepted a substantial cache of firearms, including 440 pump-action rifles and accessories, cleverly hidden in 516 bags of Plaster of Paris cement inside a 1x20ft container with the identification number PONU210024/1.
This seizure occurred during a time of increased security challenges from armed bandits in the North-West and the illegal proliferation of weapons in the South-East.
He remarked on the connection between international smuggling networks and domestic security issues. Through ongoing intelligence operations, two more containers – CMAU 189817/8 and GESU 255208/1 – were intercepted at Tin-Can Island Port, also containing arms and ammunition concealed within sanitary products.
Following the seizure, forensic experts conducted an extensive electronic analysis of Customs records and shipping documents. Through established diplomatic channels, collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs allowed engagement with the Turkish Embassy, leading to the identification of the company responsible for the purchase. The investigative process, supported by financial records secured through court orders, enabled the identification of individuals behind the illegal arms shipment.
Leveraging inter-agency cooperation, particularly with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the NCS successfully prosecuted the case (Suit No: FH/C/L/339C/2018) in the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The defendants—Great James Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeuwa Moses Christ, and Emeka Umeh Festus, also known as Amankwa—were found guilty on eight counts of charges. This judicial success reinforces the service's uncompromising position against arms trafficking and highlights the effectiveness of its judicial collaboration.
Adeniyi reiterated the NCS's commitment to vigilance in addressing illegal arms trafficking, emphasizing that the service will utilize the full extent of its intelligence and enforcement capabilities to safeguard legitimate trade while prioritizing Nigeria's security interests.
In his address, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, who received the items, stated that the Centre would take all necessary actions to ensure the permanent removal of these weapons from circulation, in alignment with relevant conventions and best practices. Representing Ribadu, NCCSALW’s Director-General, Mr. Babatunde Kokumo, assured that the weapons would be processed following international conventions, as Nigeria is a signatory to the ECOWAS convention.
Ribadu highlighted that since its inception in May 2021, the centre has led various multi-stakeholder initiatives aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons. President Bola Tinubu enacted the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 on June 4, 2024.
Ribadu pointed out that this swift legislative measure reflects the President’s unwavering dedication to fostering peace and stability in the nation while underscoring the importance he places on national security for all citizens.
The NSA remarked that the President’s leadership and backing have mitigated threats related to terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, pipeline vandalism, and other challenges to national peace and stability.
Ribadu commended all officers of the Nigeria Customs Service for their commitment and tireless work that resulted in these crucial interceptions. He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation from other law enforcement and security agencies as they continue their efforts.
“As we commemorate another significant achievement in our ongoing fight against illicit small arms and light weapons, I encourage all stakeholders to stay alert and maintain our collaborative approach. Together, through our unified efforts, we can ensure that Nigeria remains resilient against the dangers of illegal weaponry and that our communities are protected for future generations,” he concluded.
