By Stella Okocha
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| Intercepted Items displayed at the FOU Zone A Command Lagos |
Harboursandport.com:Lagos- September 2 2025: On Thursday, 7th August 2025, at approximately 0213hrs, one of the patrol teams of the Federal Operations Unit , FOU, Zone A of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, based on credible intelligence, intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle suspected of conveying prohibited items via the Ilara bush paths near the border in Ogun State.
This information was provided to journalists during a press brief at the command headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, by the Command Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu.
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| Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu(M) with representatives of National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, NCCSALW |
The CAC told journalists that Upon sighting the officers, the smugglers abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest; during which when thorough search of the intercepted vehicle was made, it revealed the following items, carefully concealed within second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti.
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| Seized Firearms and ammunition |
Enlisting the intercepted items, Comptroller Shuaibu revealed that a total number of 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms (designed in Italy) with the following serial numbers:
22-0743, 602-H22YT-55, 602-H22YT-700, 698-H21PT-24 (Pump Action), 602-H22YT-586, 602-H22YT-551, 602-H22YT-566, 19KS-0193, 602-H22YT-415, 22-1809, 22-1466, 602-H22YT-642, 602-H22YT-583, 602-H22YT-572; respectively were seized; including 1 used Mossberg pump action shotgun (Made in USA) with Serial No. P256630, making it total number of 15 assorted rifles seized.
He added that 4,891 rounds of ammunition, 2 cartons of Danu Spaghetti (20 pieces per carton) and 2 bales and 1 sack of used clothing were also found in the vehicle.
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He went further to tell the press that another patrol team made a separate interception of a Volkswagen sprinter bus that convey drones in a wooden box along the Akure- Ore axis in Ondo state while on a routine patrol, which occurred at about 0910hrs of 9th August 2025.
He noted that one suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure, and when further investigation of the bus was carried out, it confirms the drones to be industrial drones without proper documents; adding that the drones, second-hand clothing, and 1carton of spaghetti had a duty paid value, DPV of N377, 110, 800.00.
"The interception of these security threatening items underscores the unwavering commitment of the Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, to disrupt the activities of non-state actors and safeguard national security. These efforts reflect the Service’s dedication to combating smuggling and criminality at our borders while restoring law and order".
"Let me take this opportunity to reiterate that the importation of arms, ammunition, or drones of this nature requires valid approval, permits, and an End User Certificate from the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA. Any deviation from these regulatory requirements will be treated as a deliberate attempt to undermine national security and will be met with swift and decisive action by all relevant security agencies, including the NCS".
Shuaibu also pointed that, "These kinds of seizures are not achieved without serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution". He therefore commended the bravery, professionalism, and commitment of his officers, whose efforts made the successful interception possible; adding that the unit remains resolute and vigilant in its mission to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum.
He went further to say that, "At a time when our nation faces complex security challenges, it is imperative that all stakeholders remain aligned in our collective efforts to prevent these non-state actors from achieving their criminal objectives. I, therefore, call on all well-meaning Nigerians to report suspicious movements or activities within their communities. Your vigilance is critical to enabling law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties effectively".
The CAC highlighted that In line with the NCS’s commitment to fostering inter-agency collaboration, the intercepted arms and ammunition will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
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| CP Alamutua Bido(rtd) director South West zone of the NCCSALW, |
During the handing over of the intercepted arms, the Director General NCCSALW, who was represented by CP Alamutua Bido(rtd) director South West zone of the NCCSALW, appreciated and acknowledged the great work the comptroller general of customs, CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been doing.
He mentioned that the interception was proof of their collective determination to eliminate the efforts of those trying to undermine the government's efforts of maintaining law and order in our country, advising them to change their ways, as the law would catch up with them.
He also appealed that existing relationship is sustained, while thanking the officers for their professionalism and dedication.
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