Customs seizes 55 rifles, drones, military equipment at Lagos airport

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has again seizure of arms and ammunition at Lagos airport on Wednesday.

The seizure is coming after days of seizure of dignificant arms from Onne port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Specifically, the seizure by the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command in Lagos is said to consist of 55 rifles, drones and other military equipment.

The Customs Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, said the seizures were results of the enhanced intelligence and collaborative efforts in the service.

The illicit shipment, said to have originated from Turkey, is part of a concerning trend of increased imports of arms, ammunition, drugs, and other prohibited items across Nigeria.

The Customs comptroller-general emphasized that the surge in arms smuggling is particularly alarming amidst Nigeria’s current security challenges and rising criminal activities, warning that severe sanctions for those involved.

The seized contraband was handed over to a representative from the National Security Agency.

Comptroller Michael Awe and officers of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command were praised for their role in intercepting the illegal shipment.

The seizures are indications of increasing demand for heightened scrutiny at all entry points into Nigeria to prevent such dangerous cargoes from reaching their destinations within the country.