Nigeria Customs Hands 399 Seized Rifles to NSA, Warns of Arms Trafficking Ahead of Elections

The Nigeria Customs Service has handed over 399 seized rifles to the Office of the National Security Adviser, in a major inter-agency move aimed at keeping illegal weapons out of circulation.

The firearms were recovered at the Tincan Island Port Command, where Customs officials also discovered hundreds of additional rifle components. The seizure comes as security agencies intensify preparations for the next major election cycle and warn that criminal networks could attempt to exploit Nigeria’s ports, airports and borders to move prohibited items into the country.

399 rifles and hundreds of components recovered

Speaking with journalists on Monday, Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi said the service had completed the coupling, inventory and detailed examination of the seized shipment.

The operation uncovered 399 fully assembled Jojef firearms, alongside a substantial quantity of rifle parts.

The recovered components included 89 frames, 80 charging handles, 57 trigger groups, 66 foregrip latches, 45 foregrips or handguards and 39 pistol-grip screws.

Customs also listed 34 springs, 25 locking lugs, 16 heat shields, 10 trigger pins, five barrels, four pistol grips and three pistons among the recovered items.

Following the inventory and assessment, the weapons were formally transferred to the Director General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) under the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Customs warns of election-related arms trafficking

The Customs chief said the seizure highlights the need for increased vigilance as Nigeria approaches another major election cycle.

Adeniyi warned that criminal networks could attempt to use the country’s borders, seaports and airports to bring weapons and other prohibited items into Nigeria.

He said Customs would strengthen surveillance and enforcement operations to prevent such movements.

The agency is also working with other security institutions, including the NCCSALW, to use intelligence-led operations to identify and disrupt arms-trafficking networks.

Two suspects handed over for further investigation

Customs said the investigation has already led to the arrest of two suspects.

Adeniyi confirmed that the suspects are being taken over by the Office of the National Security Adviser as investigations continue.

The objective, according to Customs, is not only to remove the weapons from circulation but also to identify the network responsible for attempting to bring them into the country.

A wider security concern

The seizure comes at a time when the movement of illicit small arms and light weapons remains a major security concern in Nigeria.

Illegal firearms can fuel criminal activity, including banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and political violence. The presence of such weapons also raises concerns about election security, particularly as political activity intensifies ahead of future polls.

For Customs, the operation underscores the importance of securing Nigeria’s trade corridors without disrupting legitimate commerce.

The handover to the NSA’s office also signals a coordinated approach between border enforcement and national security agencies.

With the seized rifles now removed from circulation and the suspects facing further investigation, attention will turn to tracing the origin of the shipment, identifying those behind it and preventing similar attempts.

For Nigerians, the broader message is clear: securing the country’s borders is increasingly central to protecting communities and maintaining a peaceful electoral environment.

Written by Boom RadioNG