Customs Hands Over 399 Pump Action Rifles, 535 Firearm Components to NCCSALW

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 399 pump action rifles and 535 assorted firearm components intercepted at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, formally handed over the items on Monday, August 17, 2026, describing the seizure as a major intervention in the fight against illicit arms trafficking, particularly ahead of the 2027 election season.

Adeniyi said the interception had prevented hundreds of firearms from reaching criminal elements, noting that technology and improved intelligence played a key role in the operation.

He warned that the NCS would not allow Nigeria’s ports and borders to be used for the illegal importation of arms or other items capable of threatening national security.

The Customs boss disclosed that the Federal High Court in Lagos had remanded two suspects allegedly connected to the shipment, with their arraignment scheduled for August 25.

He also warned Customs personnel against facilitating the illegal movement of firearms, stressing that officers found involved would face the full consequences of the law.

Receiving the seized items, the Director General of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector General of Police Johnson Babatunde (Rtd.), commended the Customs Service for its vigilance and continued partnership in tackling the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

Babatunde said the weapons would be handled in accordance with Nigerian laws and international best practices.

He added that the NCCSALW would catalogue, profile and document all the recovered items, while serviceable weapons required for authorised security operations would be properly accounted for.

According to him, obsolete, illegal and unserviceable weapons would be destroyed in line with established procedures.