Customs Intercepts Fresh Batch of Illegal Firearms at Tin Can Port, Hands Them Over for Investigation
The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted another batch of illegally imported firearms at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, raising fresh concerns over attempts to move weapons into Nigeria through the nation’s seaports.
The seized firearms were on Monday handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further statutory action.
For the Customs authorities, the message is clear: Tin Can Island Port will not be allowed to become a gateway for weapons that could eventually find their way into Nigerian communities.
Speaking during a press briefing at the port, Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, stated that the latest seizure reflects the vigilance of officers working to keep prohibited items out of the country.
He disclosed that the handover was not the first of its kind this month, noting that the Command had recently witnessed similar operations involving seized items handed over to relevant security agencies.
Comptroller Anani warned importers and criminal networks attempting to exploit Nigeria’s ports.
“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.”
He said Customs officers had to spend hours carefully coupling and assembling the knocked-down components of the firearms to establish exactly what had been intercepted.
According to him, the exercise demonstrated the importance of cooperation among security agencies in confronting the illegal movement of arms.
Beyond the weapons themselves, Comptroller Anani said every interception represents a potential danger prevented from reaching the wider society.
“Behind every interception is an officer who has taken a decision to do the right thing, sometimes under difficult circumstances.”
He commended officers and men of the Command for their vigilance and dedication, while also appreciating the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for its collaboration.
The Customs boss also stressed that the operation was not simply about seizing firearms.
“It is about protecting lives, preserving national security and ensuring that our ports serve legitimate trade and economic development, not as channels for introducing instruments of violence into our communities.”
Senior officials from Customs and sister security agencies attended the event, including the Zonal Coordinator, NCS Zone A, ACG Mohamed Babandede; Zonal Director, South West, National Centre for Small Arms, CP Abiodun Alamutu (Rtd); and Commander, NDLEA Tin Can Command, Solomon Omotosho, alongside representatives of the Port Manager, DSS and Western Port Police Command.
The seized firearms have now been transferred to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for further statutory action.
For residents and communities already grappling with insecurity, the significance of such interceptions goes beyond the port gates: every illegal weapon stopped before entering circulation is one less potential instrument of violence on the streets.
By Innocent Onoh
