The Nigeria Customs Service’s Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Command has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy against illegal trade and arms smuggling by turning over seized weapons and ammunition to the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Lagos, Comptroller Joe Anani, the Customs Area Controller for PTML Command, stated that the seizure is consistent with the Service’s determination to keep illegal goods out of Nigeria while promoting lawful trade.
Anani said that Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, who oversaw the seizures, approved the handover.
Five handguns of various brands, one Crossman Pump Master rifle, 132 rounds of Remington live ammo, 51 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition, four 9mm magazines, 40 different 9mm and NIM FC 30-30 blank and hollow ammunition, and 118 empty 9mm shells were among the items turned over.
He claims that during the inspection of imported automobiles between 2022 and 2025, the weapons and ammo were found 25 times.
Officers of the command and sister agencies working at the port worked together diligently to achieve these seizures. PTML is still off-limits to illegal commerce in any form, according to Anani.
He clarified that the majority of the weapons were hidden in different compartments of imported cars, pointing out that in order to find hidden objects, Customs personnel frequently strip cars during inspection, including removing seats and interior fixtures.
Investigations revealed that many of the vehicles came from the United States, where some states have less restrictive laws governing access to small guns, the PTML chief continued.
We won’t let such things go past Nigeria’s stringent gun control regulations. He said, “Suspects connected to these seizures have been detained and turned over to the proper authorities.”
