Customs Seizes 204 Pump-Action Rifles from Turkey

On August 18, 2026, the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the interception of 204 pump-action rifles concealed among declared household goods in a 20-foot container imported from Turkey. The container, numbered TEMU 184536/9, arrived aboard the vessel MV Algeciras Express on August 16 and was flagged for examination due to credible intelligence.

During a 100 percent physical examination, Customs officers discovered firearm components hidden among items such as furniture and refrigerators. This interception follows a previous seizure of knocked-down firearm components that were assembled into 399 pump-action rifles, which were handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

At a press briefing, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Timi Bomodi emphasized the determination of the Service to combat arms trafficking, highlighting the successful efforts of Customs officers in preventing illegal firearms from entering Nigeria.