Customs FOU intercepts firearms, ammunition, industrial drones in south west
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A (FOU A), has announced major interceptions of firearms, ammunition, and two industrial drones in coordinated enforcement operations across the Southwest region.
According to a statement signed by Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, the seizures were part of an ongoing offensive against smuggling networks threatening national security.
On Thursday, August 7, 2025, at about 2:13 a.m., Customs patrol officers, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle suspected of conveying prohibited items through the Ilara bush paths near the Ogun State border. The occupants abandoned the car and fled on sighting the operatives.
A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered 15 assorted rifles including 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms and one Mossberg pump action shotgun along with 4,841 rounds of ammunition, concealed within bales of second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti.
In a separate operation on Saturday, August 9, 2025, another patrol team intercepted a Volkswagen sprinter bus along the Akure-Ore axis in Ondo State.
The bus was found to be transporting industrial drones without valid documents. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.
The Service put the duty paid value of the intercepted items, including clothing and foodstuffs used as cover, at N377.1 million.
Shuaibu stressed that the interception underscored the Service’s resolve under Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi to dismantle smuggling syndicates and safeguard the country’s borders.
He reiterated that the importation of arms, ammunition, or drones requires valid approval and an End User Certificate from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“These seizures were achieved through serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution. I commend the bravery and professionalism of our officers whose efforts made this possible,” he said.
He added that the recovered firearms and ammunition would be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The NCS called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that collaboration between security agencies and citizens is critical in curbing smuggling and insecurity