Customs Intercepts 399 Jojef Customs Intercepts 399 Jojef Firearms, 535 Rifle Parts at Lagos Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 399 fully assembled Jojef firearms at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, describing the seizure as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb the illegal importation and proliferation of arms in the country.

The weapons were discovered after Customs officers conducted a detailed examination and coupling of a suspicious consignment intercepted at the port.

According to the NCS, the shipment contained 399 assembled firearms in addition to 535 supplementary rifle components, including frames, heat shields, trigger groups and barrels.

The seizure has raised fresh concerns over attempts by criminal networks and arms traffickers to exploit Nigeria’s seaports to smuggle weapons into the country.

The development comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, with security experts warning that the unchecked circulation of firearms could increase the capacity of criminal groups and further fuel insecurity.

The Customs Service said the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led enforcement, cargo profiling and closer collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies.

Tin Can Island Port remains one of Nigeria’s major maritime gateways, handling large volumes of imports into the country. Customs authorities have increasingly relied on intelligence gathering and physical inspection to identify prohibited and suspicious consignments.

The latest seizure follows previous arms interceptions at the port. In February 2025, the NCS handed over more than 1,599 assorted firearms and 2,298 live cartridges seized from three containers at Tin Can Island Port to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Meanwhile, the latest investigation has entered the judicial process, with a Federal High Court in Lagos reportedly ordering the remand of two men, identified as Ejiogu Godson and Robert Eze, for 15 days in connection with the intercepted shipment.

The order followed an application by the Customs Service through its Legal Services Department at Tin Can Island, Apapa.

Authorities are expected to investigate the origin of the firearms, their intended destination and the individuals or organisations allegedly responsible for the shipment.

The seizure comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to restrict the availability and movement of illegal firearms across the country.

For the Customs Service, the interception underscores the strategic importance of Nigeria’s ports and borders in the fight against arms trafficking and national insecurity.

The agency is expected to work with other security organisations to trace the network behind the consignment and prevent similar shipments from entering the country.