Customs Seizes 18 Imitation Automatic Guns, Collects N97 Bn in 6 Months

By Stella Okocha

Harboursandport.com:Lagos- July 9, 2025: The Murtala Mohammed Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has announced a major anti-smuggling breakthrough with the seizure of 18 Tippmann semi-automatic calibre paintball markers—classified as imitation firearms—and 32 empty Tippmann truck cylinders, all carrying a Duty Paid Value, DPV of over N18 million.

Customs Area Controller, CAC Michael Toyin Awe, displaying one of the impounded fake guns.

The Area Controller, Comptroller Michael Toyin Awe, revealed the development during a press briefing on Wednesday. He attributed the successful interception to robust intelligence-gathering, heightened surveillance, and the unwavering commitment of Customs personnel.

Controller Awe addressing Stakeholders and journalists at the press conference 

Additional contraband items intercepted included: 20 ballistic helmets with DPV of N2.07 million; 75 bags of pangolin scales (weighing 3,765kg) with DPV of N772.4 million; bringing the total value of the seizures to N792.79 million

Impounded goods on display 

Awe also reported an impressive revenue performance, with the command collecting N97.16 billion in Customs duties in the first half of 2025. This marks a 20.92 per cent increase from the N80.35 billion collected in the same period of 2024.

He credited this growth to enhanced trader compliance; close transaction monitoring; swift response to irregularities and effective closure of revenue leak points. In his words, "We deeply appreciate our compliant importers, exporters, and agents."

The Controller also emphasized the Command’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders as a cornerstone of its success, built on transparency, shared information, and mutual trust. 

To promote camaraderie and inter-agency synergy, the Command recently launched a sports competition featuring football, volleyball, badminton, and table tennis.

Awe concluded by thanking the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his visionary leadership, and encouraged officers to sustain the momentum in line with the service’s mission.