By Steve Agbota
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A (FOU Zone A) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said that it intercepted a cache of arms and ammunition and industrial drones concealed within used clothes and cartons of noodles along Ogun State.
The Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed while addressing newsmen in Ikeja, said that in a coordinated enforcement operation,men and officers of the unit intercepted the dangerous weapons as part of an ongoing offensive to dismantle smuggling networks within the Southwest region of the country.
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“On Thursday, August 7, 2025, at approximately 8:13 P:m , one of our patrol teams, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle suspected of conveying prohibited items via the Ilara bush paths near the border in Ogun State. Upon sighting our officers, the driver and one passenger abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest.
“A thorough search of the intercepted vehicle revealed the following items, carefully concealed within second-hand clothing and cartons of noodles, Intercepted Items: 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.
According to him, one used a Mossberg pump action shotgun (Made in USA), Serial No. P256630 with the total 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two cartons of Danu Spaghetti (20 pieces per carton) and 2 bales and one sack of used clothing.
He said in line with the NCS’s commitment to fostering inter-agency collaboration, the intercepted arms and ammunition were handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Additionally, he said 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 while on a routine patrol, saying the arrest occurred at about 0910hrs of 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. Only.
“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,” he added.
He said these efforts reflect the Service’s dedication to combating smuggling and criminality at the nation’s 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 (ONSA). 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.
“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,” he said.
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