Customs uncover 399 rifles at Tincan Island Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has uncovered an extensive cache of 399 fully assembled firearms, including Jojef pump-action rifles, at the Tincan Island Port Command. This significant seizure of arms, described by the NCS as a major setback to illegal arms trafficking, follows the discovery of supplementary rifle parts such as frames, heat shields, trigger pins, pistons, locking lugs, charging handles, and more.

NCS National Public Relations Officer Abdullah Maiwada revealed that the container containing these concealed components was intercepted on August 6, 2026. NCS Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi cautioned that criminal networks might exploit Nigeria's borders as they approach the next general elections to smuggle prohibited items into the country.

Adeniyi assured the public that the NCS would intensify its surveillance and enforcement operations, particularly as the country enters a major election cycle. The seized firearms will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) to ensure they are removed from circulation and the individuals involved in the trafficking network are held accountable.