The Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over a cache of seized arms and ammunition to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), reinforcing its commitment to curbing arms smuggling and safeguarding national security.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lagos, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joe Anani, said the operation reflects the Service’s firm resolve to prevent prohibited items from entering the country while promoting legitimate trade.
Anani explained that the handover was conducted with the approval of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, under whose leadership the seizures were made.
The items transferred included five pistols of different models, one Crossman Pump Master rifle, 132 rounds of Remington live cartridges, 51 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition, four 9mm magazines, 40 assorted 9mm and NIM FC 30-30 blank and hollow ammunition, as well as 118 empty 9mm shells.
According to Anani, the arms and ammunition were intercepted in 25 separate incidents between 2022 and 2025 during the examination of imported vehicles.
“These seizures are the result of collective diligence by officers of the command and other security agencies operating at the port. PTML remains a no-go area for unlawful trade of any kind,” he said.
He noted that most of the seized weapons were carefully concealed in various compartments of imported vehicles, adding that Customs officers often dismantle car interiors—including seats and panels—during inspection to uncover hidden contraband.
The PTML chief further revealed that investigations traced many of the vehicles to the United States, where firearm access is less restricted in certain states.
“With Nigeria’s stringent gun control laws, we remain vigilant to ensure such items do not slip through our borders. Suspects linked to these seizures have been arrested and handed over to the relevant authorities,” Anani affirmed.
