National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has transferred 1,599 firearms and 2,298 live cartridges to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to tackling arms smuggling and boosting national security.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who led the handover at the Federal Operations Unit Zone “A” in Lagos, disclosed that the weapons were intercepted in 2018 at Tin Can Island Port.
He revealed that they were concealed in three containers falsely declared as Plaster of Paris (POP) cement and sanitary wares.
“This seizure underscores our determination to secure Nigeria’s borders. We will not relent in exposing and prosecuting those who smuggle arms and threaten our national security,” Adeniyi declared.
He further explained that through forensic investigations and diplomatic engagements with the Turkish Embassy, the purchasing company was identified, leading to the conviction of Great James Oil and Gas Limited and its collaborators.
Receiving the seized arms, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by NCCSALW Director-General Babatunde Kokumo, assured that the weapons would be destroyed in line with international standards.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for signing the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024, which strengthens measures against arms proliferation.
“This administration’s tough stance on security is yielding results, helping to curb threats like terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. The synergy among security agencies is making a difference,” Ribadu said.
He urged security personnel and citizens to remain vigilant, stressing that eliminating illegal arms trafficking requires collective effort.
