Customs Arrest Importer, Clearing Agent Over 399 Rifles

The Nigeria Customs Service has arrested an importer and a female clearing agent over the alleged illegal importation of 399 Jojef pump-action rifles through Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The arrests were disclosed during the formal handover of the seized firearms to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said the rifles had been intercepted after a container was flagged for inspection at the port.

Daily Trust, Punch and The Sun all reported the same seizure and handover. The reports said the firearms were concealed in a shipment linked to the port, and that Customs has now handed the weapons to the small-arms control centre for further action.

The service said the latest case brings the number of suspects arrested over illegal arms importation to 11. The Sun also reported that 21,399 firearms have so far been handed over to the centre, including earlier seizures of Jojef Magnum Tomahawk shotguns, assorted prohibited firearms and cartridges.

The new Tin Can Island Port case adds to recent Customs arms seizures at major entry points, including Lagos and Onne Port. Authorities say the handover is part of efforts to keep prohibited weapons out of circulation while investigations continue into the importation chain.

Sources: Daily Trust, Punch, The Sun