By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of 603 pump-action rifles in recent operations, raising fresh security concerns as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

The weapons were recovered in two major interceptions at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, with the seizures linked to consignments originating from Turkey.

The first major recovery occurred in August when Customs officials intercepted firearm components that were subsequently assembled into 399 complete Jojef pump-action rifles.

Barely two weeks later, the Service announced the seizure of another 204 pump-action rifles concealed in a 20-foot container containing declared household items.

According to Customs, the second consignment arrived from Turkey aboard the vessel MV Algeciras Express and was subjected to a 100 per cent physical examination following intelligence received by the Service.

The weapons were allegedly hidden among items such as furniture, refrigerators, solar panels and detergents in an apparent attempt to prevent their detection.

Customs authorities said the latest operation involved collaboration between the Service’s Armament Unit and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The combined operation led to the recovery of 204 MAS 49 Alter Magnum pump-action rifles, alongside several firearm components.

The seizures have heightened attention to the movement of illegal arms into Nigeria, particularly with the country preparing for another general election cycle.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has warned that criminal networks could attempt to exploit Nigeria’s ports, borders and airports to bring prohibited items into the country ahead of the elections.

He assured Nigerians that the Customs Service would strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and risk-based inspections to frustrate such attempts.

Adeniyi also called for greater cooperation from members of the public and other security agencies, stressing the importance of intelligence-sharing in identifying individuals and networks involved in arms trafficking.

The NCCSALW has similarly expressed concern over the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, which are widely associated with violent crimes including kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and insurgency.

The repeated interceptions have also generated concern among security and economic stakeholders, who say the discovery of large quantities of firearms entering the country highlights the need for deeper investigations into the sources, financiers, importers and intended recipients of such consignments.

With the 2027 elections approaching, security agencies are expected to intensify efforts to prevent the illegal circulation of firearms and other weapons capable of escalating electoral violence.

The Customs Service has therefore reiterated its commitment to blocking criminal attempts to use Nigeria’s ports and borders as channels for the movement of prohibited arms.