Customs FOU 'A' Strikes in Ogun, Ondo: Smugglers Abandon Rifles, Ammunition, and Industrial Drones
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone A (FOU A), has scored a major victory in its offensive against smuggling networks with the interception of firearms, ammunition, and industrial drones in separate operations across Ogun and Ondo States.
The seizures were announced on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu.
According to Shuaibu, the first operation occurred on Thursday, 7th August 2025, at about 2:13 a.m. when a patrol team acting on credible intelligence intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle along the Ilara bush paths near the Ogun State border.
“The driver and a passenger reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush upon sighting the officers,” he said.
"A search of the abandoned vehicle uncovered 15 assorted rifles, including 14 JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms designed in Italy and one Mossberg pump action shotgun from the USA, as well as 4,841 rounds of ammunition. The firearms were concealed within second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti."
"In a separate operation on Saturday, 9th August 2025, another patrol team intercepted a Volkswagen sprinter bus suspected of transporting drones in a wooden box along the Akure-Ore axis in Ondo State."
“The operation, conducted at about 9:10 a.m., led to the arrest of one suspect after checks confirmed the drones to be industrial types without proper documentation,” Shuaibu disclosed.
The seizures also included two cartons of spaghetti, two bales, and a sack of used clothing, all assigned a duty paid value (DPV) of ₦377,110,800.00.
Emphasizing the significance of the operations, the Comptroller stated: “The interception of the security-threatening items underscores the unwavering commitment of the Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, to disrupt the activities of non-state actors and safeguard national security.”
He further stressed the regulatory framework for such imports: “The importation of arms, ammunition, or drones of this nature requires valid approval, permits, and an End User Certificate from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Any deviation from these regulatory requirements will be treated as a deliberate attempt to undermine national security and will be met with swift and decisive action by all relevant security agencies, including the NCS.”
Commending his officers, Shuaibu noted: “These kinds of seizures are not achieved without serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution. I therefore commend the bravery, professionalism, and commitment of our officers, whose efforts made this successful interception possible. The unit remains resolute and vigilant in its mission to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum.”
He also urged Nigerians to play their part in strengthening national security: “At a time when our nation faces complex security challenges, it is imperative that all stakeholders remain aligned in our collective efforts to prevent these non-state actors from achieving their criminal objectives. I, therefore, call on all well-meaning Nigerians to report suspicious movements or activities within their communities. Your vigilance is critical to enabling law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties effectively.”
Shuaibu also noted that line with inter-agency collaboration, the seized arms and ammunition will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
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