Emiola Osifeso
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dealt a heavy blow to criminal syndicates attempting to smuggle high-grade weapons and industrial drones into the country through Ogun and Ondo States.
The operation, carried out by officers of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, led to the recovery of 15 assorted rifles, nearly 5,000 rounds of ammunition, and two industrial drones—all concealed in consignments of spaghetti cartons and second-hand clothing.
The Unit’s Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, described the operation as a “decisive move to frustrate non-state actors and criminal gangs threatening Nigeria’s peace and stability.”
According to him:
“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 detailed search of the vehicle revealed a shocking discovery. Shuaibu said:
“Inside the consignment were 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms designed in Italy, one Mossberg pump action shotgun made in the United States, a total of 15 assorted rifles, and 4,841 rounds of ammunition. These were carefully concealed within second-hand clothing and cartons of Danu Spaghetti, with the packaging used as decoys to avoid detection.”
Barely two days later, another strike followed. On Saturday, 9th August 2025, at about 0910hrs, a separate patrol team stopped a Volkswagen Sprinter bus along the Akure–Ore axis of Ondo State. Inside a wooden box were two industrial drones.
Shuaibu revealed that one suspect was arrested during this second operation. He explained:
“Our investigations confirmed that the drones are industrial-grade, imported without valid permits or documentation. Their duty paid value (DPV), together with the intercepted arms, ammunition, clothing, and spaghetti, stands at ₦377,110,800.00.”
The seizures, he stressed, highlight the Customs Service’s uncompromising stance against illegal arms trafficking and its determination to prevent criminals from acquiring weapons and sophisticated equipment.
He warned: “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.”
Acknowledging the efforts of his men, the Controller added:
“These kinds of seizures are not achieved without serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution. I commend the bravery, professionalism, and commitment of our officers, whose efforts made this successful interception possible. The Unit remains resolute and vigilant in its mission to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum.”
Beyond enforcement, Shuaibu called for public support in combating the menace of arms trafficking.
“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 further disclosed that the seized 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 of suspects.
Shuaibu concluded by reaffirming the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, noting that the Service will remain a frontline player in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders against smugglers and criminal networks.
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