The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has foiled an attempt to smuggle a substantial quantity of arms and ammunition into Nigeria through the Port Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Command in Lagos.

The illicit cargo, valued at N28.5 million, was discovered concealed within vehicles imported from overseas. Controller Tenny Mankini, speaking at a press briefing, revealed that the seizures included a variety of firearms, ammunition, and related components.

“This operation underscores our commitment to safeguarding national security by intercepting illicit imports,” stated Mankini. The seized items were hidden within various used vehicles, including a Mazda CX5, several Toyota Tacomas, a Lexus RX350, and a Toyota Sienna. The haul included live rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition, blank ammunition of various calibres, 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition, 76mm live cartridges and empty shells, 12-gauge shotgun cartridges, a Sig Sauer 1911 pistol, and a Glock 22 pistol.

The firearms are currently undergoing forensic examination and will be handed over to the Department of State Security (DSS) following the investigation.

In addition to the weapons, Customs officials also intercepted two shipping containers containing prohibited items. One container held many used tyres, fridges, carpets, and mattresses, while the other contained bags of foreign parboiled rice and kegs of soybean oil.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy for smuggling and will continue to enforce import regulations rigorously,” Mankini asserted. The container with used goods has been transferred to the Nigeria Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further action.

Three suspects have been detained in connection with the seizures and subsequently released on administrative bail pending the outcome of the investigation.