The Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service says it has seized firearms, ammunition, and drones worth over ₦377 million in two operations.
Briefing journalists in Ikeja, Comptroller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, said: “On August 7, 2025, at about 2:13 a.m., a patrol team intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle along Ilara bush paths near the Ogun border,” adding that the occupants abandoned the car and fled into the forest, leaving behind a deadly cargo concealed under bales of second-hand clothing.
According to Comptroller Shuaibu, a thorough search revealed 15 assorted rifles, including 14 JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms of Italian origin and one Mossberg pump-action shotgun made in the United States.
“Also recovered were 4,841 rounds of live ammunition, two bales and one sack of second-hand clothing, and two cartons of spaghetti,” he stated.
He explained that in a separate operation two days later, “on August 9 at 9:10 a.m., another patrol team along the Akure–Ore axis in Ondo State intercepted a Volkswagen Sprinter bus carrying two industrial drones packed inside a wooden box.
“One suspect was arrested after failing to present proper documentation for the drones.”
According to the Unit boss, the duty paid value of the seizures including the firearms, ammunition, drones, and other goods were estimated at ₦377,110,800.
Shuaibu said the arrests demonstrated the Service’s determination to disrupt the operations of non-state actors and secure Nigeria’s borders.
“The importation of arms, ammunition, or drones requires valid permits and an End User Certificate from the Office of the National Security Adviser. Any deviation is a direct assault on national security and will be met with swift and decisive action,” he stated.
He commended the professionalism and bravery of his officers, stressing that such operations required serious intelligence gathering and tactical execution.
The seized arms and ammunition were handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further investigation and prosecution.