Customs FOU Zone A Intercepts, Seize Industrial Drones, Firearms, Ammunition From Smugglers

Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ (middle) flanked by operatives of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) during a press briefing and hand over of the seized arms and ammunition to NCCSALW in Lagos on Tuesday.

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said that in a coordinated enforcement operation, the Unit made significant interception firearms, ammunition, and two industrial drones.

The Unit said that achievements were part of an ongoing offensive to dismantle smuggling networks within the Southwest region of the country.

The Customs Area Controller, FOU Zone A, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos during a press briefing and handing over of the seized arms and ammunition to the

 National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), said that on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at approximately 2.13 a.m., one of the Unit’s patrol teams, while acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle suspected to be conveying prohibited items via the Ilara bush paths near the border in Ogun State.

The Customs boss said that upon sighting the officers, the driver and one passenger abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest.

He said that a thorough search of the intercepted vehicle revealed the following items, carefully concealed within second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti:

The items include 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms (designed in Italy), with the following serial numbers: 22-0743, 602-H22YT-556; 602-H22YT-700, 698-H21PT-24 (Pump Action); 602-H22YT-586, 602-H22YT-551; 602-H22YT-566, 19KS-0193, 602-H22YT-415; 22-1809, 22-1466; 602-H22YT-642,  602-H22YT-583 and 602-H22YT-572.

One used Mossberg pump action shotgun (made in USA), with serial No. P256630; 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, 2 cartons of Danu Spaghetti (20 pieces per carton) and 2 bales and 1 sack of used clothing.

The arms, ammunition and drones seized by the operatives of Customs FOU Zone A.

Additionally, the Controller said that another patrol team made a separate interception of a Volkswagen sprinter bus suspected to convey drones in a wooden box along the Akure- Ore axis in Ondo state.

He said the interception happened when the team was on a routine patrol, while the arrest occurred at about 9.10am on August 9, 2025.

“Further investigation of the bus confirms the drones to be industrial drones without proper documents. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure. The drones, second-hand clothing, and cartons of spaghetti have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N377, 110,800.00.

“The interception of these security threatening items underscores the unwavering commitment of the Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to disrupt the activities of non-state actors and safeguard national security. These efforts reflect the Service’s dedication to combating smuggling and criminality at our borders while restoring law and order.

“Let me take this opportunity to reiterate that the importation of arms, ammunition, or drones of this nature requires valid approval, permits, and an End User Certificate from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). Any deviation from these regulatory requirements will be treated as a deliberate attempt to undermine national security and will be met with swift and decisive action by all relevant security agencies, including the NCS,” the CAC warned.

Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ (middle) flanked by operatives  of his Unit and   the  National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) during a press briefing and hand over of the seized arms and ammunition to  NCCSALW in Lagos on Tuesday.

While applauding the officers and men of his unit who made the seizures, the Customs boss added that these kinds of seizures are not achieved without serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution.

“I therefore commend the bravery, professionalism, and commitment of our officers, whose efforts made this successful interception possible. The unit remains resolute and vigilant in its mission to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum.

“At a time when our nation faces complex security challenges, it is imperative that all stakeholders remain aligned in our collective efforts to prevent these non-state actors from achieving their criminal objectives. “I, therefore, call on all well-meaning Nigerians to report suspicious movements or activities within their communities. Your vigilance is critical to enabling law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties effectively.

“In line with the NCS’s commitment to fostering inter-agency collaboration, the intercepted arms and ammunition will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and possible prosecution.”