The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over a fresh batch of seized firearms and ammunition to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) as part of its intensified effort to curb arms smuggling and strengthen national security. The items handed over included pistols, locally made guns, over 2,000 cartridges and explosives confiscated during routine interception operations along Nigeria’s borders, officials said at a press briefing in Idiroko, Ogun State.

Acting Customs Area Controller Comptroller Oladapo Afeni highlighted that the command recorded a substantial increase in seizures and revenue in 2025, generating over ₦454 million while intercepting a wide array of contraband including foreign rice, petroleum products, narcotics and arms. He said the recently handed-over weapons, alongside other illicit goods, were part of 487 separate seizures with a total duty-paid value exceeding ₦4 billion last year, emphasizing the role of intelligence-led enforcement in stemming illegal imports.

Afeni stressed that arms and ammunition are on Nigeria’s absolute prohibition list and reiterated the Customs Service’s commitment to safeguarding lives and the national economy. He called on border communities to support security efforts and condemned attacks on customs personnel by suspected smugglers. The handover to the arms control centre marks a reinforced collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to prevent illicit weapons from entering circulation and fueling insecurity across the country.