The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has recieved cache of illicit arms and ammunition from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at a brief ceremony held at the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos.
A statement by the Director, Strategic Communications and Information, NCCSALW, Group Captain Pius Okwuego said the weapons handed over include 1,599 arms, comprising automatic and semi-automatic weapons, and 2,298 live ammunitions seized at various times from seaports and land borders.
Press Statement – Customs hands over arms to NCCSALW (February 2025)
The NCCSALW commends the NCS for its relentless resolve to rid Nigeria of illicit arms and ammunition, recognizing this as a significant step in curbing illegal weapons proliferation.
The intercepted arms were hidden in containers and concealed among legitimate cargo, including plaster of paris (POP) and sanitary wares. Sustained intelligence operations by the NCS led to the identification and prosecution of those responsible for these illegal shipments.
This seizure also demonstrates the exemplary synergy between the NCS, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and other relevant agencies in ensuring the security of Nigeria’s borders.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, reiterated the Service’s zero-tolerance approach to arms trafficking. He emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration in curbing the proliferation of illegal weapons and underscored the NCS’s commitment to public safety.
Representing the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the NCCSALW, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (Rtd), expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive efforts in intercepting and handing over these arms.
He highlighted how such seizures reflect the growing link between transnational smuggling networks and Nigeria’s domestic security challenges and commended the Customs leadership for its vigilance and professionalism.
The NCCSALW will conduct thorough documentation of these recovered arms and ammunition in line with international best practices, ensuring they are permanently removed from circulation.
This handover underscores the continued importance of collaborative efforts between the NCCSALW, the NCS, and other security agencies in curbing the flow of illicit small arms and light weapons. The exemplary work of the men and women of the Nigeria Customs Service, alongside other security and intelligence agencies, remains commendable for their constant vigilance and efforts to safeguard national security.
The National Centre used the opportunity to expresses gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his steadfast support and policy direction.
It’s says it remains committed to ensuring that the menace of illicit arms is curtailed and will continue working in concert with all arms-bearing agencies, international partners, and stakeholders to maintain peace, stability, and security across Nigeria and the West African sub-region. The Centre collaborates with various national and international agencies to enhance peace, security, and stability.
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