The Nigeria Customs Service at Tincan Island Port has intercepted another consignment of 204 pump-action rifles, marking the second major arms seizure at the facility in under two weeks.
The rifles, identified as MAS 49 ALTER MAGNUM models, were discovered in knocked-down form and concealed among household goods such as furniture and appliances in a container that originated from Turkey.
This latest interception follows an earlier seizure of components that were later assembled into 399 rifles. In both cases, the recovered arms and parts were handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) after expert reassembly.
Officials, including Deputy Comptroller-General Timi Bomodi, highlighted the role of intelligence-driven surveillance in detecting the smuggled weapons. Customs said investigations into the smuggling network are ongoing.
The successive seizures underscore intensified efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to curb the illegal importation of arms through the nation’s ports, particularly ahead of sensitive periods.
