Customs Seizes 204 Illegal Rifles at Tincan Port

On August 16, 2023, the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted a shipment containing 204 pump-action rifles at Tincan Island Port, Lagos. The rifles were assembled from knocked-down components concealed in a 20-foot container that arrived from Turkey aboard the MV Algeciras Express.

The container, numbered TEMU 184536/9, was flagged for inspection based on credible intelligence and underwent a full examination on August 18. The Customs service discovered discrepancies in the shipment documents, particularly regarding the consignee's identity, which is part of an ongoing investigation.

The seizure included not only the components for the rifles but also spare parts, indicating a need to investigate the broader network involved in the firearms' movement. Timi Bomodi, deputy comptroller-general of customs in charge of enforcement, stated that the service aims to expose the entire chain of illicit firearms movement.

This seizure follows another interception of 399 rifles at the same port, highlighting the scale of illegal arms trafficking.