Nigeria Customs Seizes 603 Firearms Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted approximately 603 firearms that entered Nigeria between January and August 2026. These weapons were subsequently handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

This seizure occurs as Nigerian authorities prepare for the upcoming general elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly positions, and February 6, 2027, for governorship and State House of Assembly elections. The elections will be conducted under the Electoral Act 2026, which includes changes to the electoral framework.

Security agencies have expressed ongoing concerns regarding the movement of illegal weapons and the potential for arms trafficking to incite electoral violence. The seizure underscores the critical importance of border controls as Nigeria approaches another election cycle, particularly given the existing issues with armed criminal groups and regional insecurity.