Tin Can Customs Intercepts 204 Rifles, Declares Total War on Arms Smuggling

Barely three weeks after seizing 399 rifles, the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted another consignment of firearms—204 pump‑action rifles and assorted components—concealed among household goods.

Announcing the seizure on Monday, Deputy Comptroller‑General of Customs (Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection), Timi Bomodi, who represented Comptroller‑General Adewale Adeniyi, revealed that the 20‑foot container arrived from Turkey aboard MV Algeciras Express on August 16, 2026. Declared as “used household items,” the shipment was flagged for examination two days later following credible intelligence.

A 100 percent physical inspection uncovered the rifles hidden among furniture, refrigerators, solar panels, and detergents. Customs experts, working with officials of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), assembled the seized parts, which included
204 MAS 49 ALTER MAGNUM pump‑action rifles, 39 trigger pins, 58 locking lugs, 53 charging handles, 55 pistol grip screws, 56 springs, 56 trigger groups and 38 forward grips. Other rifle components in the seizure are 67 forward grip latches, 56 pistol grips, 54 barrels, and 2 U‑plates and assemblies.

Bomodi noted discrepancies in the import documents, particularly regarding the consignee’s identity, and confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

Customs Area Controller Joseph Anani emphasized that the repeated interceptions demonstrate the command’s resolve that smugglers of illegal firearms and prohibited items have no hiding place at Tin Can Port.

According to him, the “seizures send a clear message: the TinCan Island Port Command will not be a weak link in the enforcement of import prohibitions, particularly when it concerns dangerous items capable of threatening the peace and security of our nation. Those who see our ports as an easy route for bringing prohibited and dangerous items into Nigeria should understand that they will not find a willing partner in the Nigeria Customs Service.”

The Controller sincerely appreciated the Comptroller-General for his leadership, encouragement and unwavering support to the Command, saying that his commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and securing Nigeria’s borders continues to inspire the Command.
He also acknowledged the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for the tremendous cooperation it has consistently extended to the Command. “This collaboration has gone beyond mere words. Our armament units worked together, spending countless hours carefully coupling and assembling the knocked-down parts of these firearms to establish exactly what had been intercepted”, he said.
He described the collaboration as a practical demonstration of what can be achieved when security agencies work together with a common purpose.

Anani also commended the officers and men of the TinCan Island Port Command for their vigilance, courage and dedication which made these seizures possible. “Behind every interception is an officer who has taken a decision to do the right thing, sometimes under difficult circumstances. I am proud of their bravery and commitment to duty,” he stated.