The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday, announced the interception of firearms, ammunition and industrial drones in Ogun and Ondo States.
Displaying the seized contraband, the Customs Area Controller, FOU, Mohammed Shuaibu, said 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms designed in Italy, one used Mossberg pump action shotgun made in the United States of America and two industrial drones were seized by officers of the command.
According to Shuaibu, the seizures were part of an ongoing offensive to dismantle smuggling networks within the South-West region of the country.
“On Thursday, 7th August 2025, at approximately 0213hrs, one of our patrol teams, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle suspected of conveying prohibited items via the Ilara bush paths near the border in Ogun State. Upon sighting our officers, the driver and one passenger abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest.
“A thorough search of the intercepted vehicle revealed the following items, carefully concealed within second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti with 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms (designed in Italy) with the following serial numbers, 22-0743; 602-H22YT-556; 602-H22YT-700 and 698-H21PT-24 (Pump Action).
“Others are, 602-H22YT-586; 602-H22YT-551; 602-H22YT-566; 19KS-0193; 602-H22YT-415; 22-1809; 22-1466; 602-H22YT-642; 602-H22YT-583 and 602-H22YT-572.
“Also intercepted are 1 used Mossberg pump action shotgun (Made in USA) Serial No. P256630; 4,841 rounds of ammunition; 2 cartons of Danu Spaghetti (20 pieces per carton) and 2 bales and 1 sack of used clothing,” he stated.
Compt. Shuaibu said the interception of the security-threatening items underscored the unwavering commitment of the Service to disrupt the activities of non-state actors and safeguard national security.
He stated further that the efforts of the Service reflect its dedication to combating smuggling and criminality at the nation’s borders while restoring law and order.
“Additionally, another patrol team made a separate interception of a Volkswagen Sprinter bus suspected of conveying drones in a wooden box along the Akure-Ore axis in Ondo state while on a routine patrol. The arrest occurred at about 0910hrs on 9th August 2025.
“Further investigation of the bus confirms the drones to be industrial drones without proper documents. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure. The drones, second-hand clothing, and cartons of spaghetti have a duty paid value (DPV) of N377. 1million
“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, 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.
“These kinds of seizures are not achieved without serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution. The unit remains resolute and vigilant in its mission to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum.
“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,” he stated.
