Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over a massive haul of intercepted arms and ammunition to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).
The handover ceremony, which took place on Thursday, saw the NCS transfer 1,599 assorted arms and 2,298 live cartridges to the NCCSALW.
According to Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, some of the importers of the assault weapons have been convicted, while other cases are still undergoing court process.
Adeniyi emphasized the NCS’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders through targeted anti-smuggling operations and intelligence-driven interventions. “The NCS has played a frontline role in maintaining national security by intercepting illegal arms and ammunition,” he stated.
The NCS also handed over 11 suspects connected to the arms trafficking network for further investigation and possible prosecution. The move has been hailed by many as demonstrating the agency’s dedication to disrupting the illicit arms trade and ensuring the safety of Nigerians.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, commended the collaborative efforts between Customs and other arms-bearing agencies.
The NCCSALW Director General, Johnson Kokumo, reiterated the government’s commitment to preventing the circulation of illicit arms.
