Customs Seizes 204 Pump-Action Rifles Hidden In Household Goods

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted 204 pump-action rifles and assorted firearm components concealed in a container declared as used household items.

The seizure comes barely three weeks after the command intercepted 399 Jojef rifles, as the NCS intensifies efforts to prevent the illegal importation of firearms into the country.

Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Timi Bomodi, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced the seizure on Monday.

He said the 20-foot container arrived from Turkey aboard MV Algeciras Express on August 16, 2026, and was declared as containing “used household items”.

According to Bomodi, the container was flagged for examination on August 18 following credible intelligence.

A 100 per cent physical inspection subsequently uncovered the firearms concealed among furniture, refrigerators, solar panels and detergents.

Customs officials, working with personnel of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), recovered 204 MAS 49 ALTER MAGNUM pump-action rifles and several firearm components.

The components included 39 trigger pins, 58 locking lugs, 53 charging handles, 55 pistol grip screws, 56 springs, 56 trigger groups, 38 forward grips, 67 forward grip latches, 56 pistol grips, 54 barrels and two U-plates and assemblies.

Bomodi also disclosed that discrepancies were discovered in the import documents, particularly concerning the identity of the consignee.

He said investigations into the shipment were ongoing.

Customs Area Controller, Joseph Anani, said the seizure demonstrated the command’s determination to prevent smugglers from using the port to bring prohibited and dangerous items into Nigeria.

He said the interceptions sent a clear message that the Tin Can Island Port Command would not become a weak link in the enforcement of import prohibitions, particularly those involving firearms capable of threatening national security.

Anani commended the Comptroller-General of Customs for his leadership and support, as well as the NCCSALW for its continued cooperation.

He said the collaboration between both agencies had enabled their armament units to carefully assemble the dismantled firearm components and establish the nature and quantity of the weapons intercepted.

The controller also praised officers and men of the command for their vigilance, courage and dedication.

“Behind every interception is an officer who has taken a decision to do the right thing, sometimes under difficult circumstances. I am proud of their bravery and commitment to duty,” Anani said.