Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, have intercepted a cache of firearms, ammunition, and industrial drones in separate operations across Ogun and Ondo States, reinforcing its stance against smuggling networks threatening national security.

Announcing the seizures on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, the Comptroller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, said the interceptions were made possible through credible intelligence and swift tactical response by patrol teams.

According to him, officers on night patrol intercepted a Nissan Almera along the Ilara bush paths in Ogun State at about 1413 hours on Thursday, 7 August 2025. The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush on sighting Customs officers.

“A search of the vehicle revealed 15 assorted rifles, including 14 JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms from Italy and one Mossberg pump-action shotgun from the USA, alongside 4,891 rounds of ammunition. The weapons were carefully concealed within second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti”, Shuaibu disclosed.

In a related operation two days later, Shuaibu noted that another patrol team stopped a Volkswagen Sprinter bus along the Akure Ore axis in Ondo State at about 910 hours on Friday, 9 August 2025. On inspection, two industrial drones hidden in a wooden box without proper documents were discovered.

He revealed that the seized items, including drones, ammunition, clothing, and food products, had a Duty-Paid Value (DPV) of ₦377,110,800.00, and one suspect had been arrested.

“These seizures underscore the Service’s unwavering commitment to national security under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. 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 (ONSA). Any deviation will be treated as a deliberate attempt to undermine national security”, he explained.

Comptroller Shuaibu praised the officers involved for their bravery and professionalism, noting the complexity of the operations. “These interceptions are impossible without serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution. The Unit remains resolute and vigilant in its mission to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum.”

He also appealed for public vigilance, urging Nigerians to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

The seized firearms and ammunition were handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation.

Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NCCSALW, CP Alamutua Abiodun (rtd), Director of the Southwest Zone, commended Customs for the landmark interception.

He noted that the interception is proof of a collective determination to frustrate the efforts of those seeking to destabilise the country.