Customs FOU ‘A’ intercepts 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, drones along Ogun border

….Hands over weapons to NCCSALW

Operatives of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted a cache of firearms and ammunition concealed within bales of used clothing and cartons of spaghetti along Ogun border town of Ilara.

Also intercepted were two industrial drones along the Akure- Ore axis in Ondo state.

Controller of the unit, Comptroller Muhammed who displayed the seizures at a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday said the firearms including 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms designed in Italy, 1 used Mossberg pump action shotgun made in United States of America and 4,841 rounds of ammunition were intercepted based on credible intelligence.

He said, ” 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 15 assorted rifles including 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms, 1 used Mossberg pump action shotgun (Made in USA) and 4,841 rounds of ammunition carefully concealed within 2 cartons of Danu Spaghetti, two bales and 1 sack of used clothing.

“Additionally, another patrol team made a separate interception of a Volkswagen sprinter bus suspected to convey drones in a wooden box along the Akure- Ore axis in Ondo state while on a routine patrol. The arrest occurred at about 0910hrs of 9th August 2025.”

Shuaibu said further investigation of the bus confirmed that the drones were without proper documentation adding that one suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.

He said the drones, second-hand clothing, and cartons of spaghetti have a duty paid value (DPV) of N377, 110,800.00.

While reiterating the NCS’s commitment to national security, Comptroller Shuaib  explained that the importation of such items requires an End-User Certificate and other valid permits from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and any violation would be met with swift action.

“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, “he said.

The Customs boss commended his officers for their professionalism and called on all Nigerians to report suspicious activities to aid law enforcement.

“These kinds of seizures are not achieved without serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution. I therefore 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.

“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 said.

The intercepted arms and ammunition were handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and possible prosecution.