LAGOS – The Nigeria Customs Service has raised the alarm over possible attempts by criminal networks to smuggle illegal weapons into the country ahead of the next general elections.

The warning was issued on Monday in Lagos during the formal handover of 399 fully assembled rifles seized at the Tincan Island Port to the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Customs Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, said the service has intensified surveillance and enforcement at Nigeria’s borders, seaports and airports. He said the measures are to prevent the influx of prohibited weapons during the approaching election cycle.

‎According to Adeniyi, criminal elements are likely to exploit the election period to move arms into the country. He stressed that Customs will work closely with other security agencies to disrupt such activities and ensure the weapons do not get into circulation.

‎The seized firearms were identified as Jojef rifles. They were discovered during a detailed examination of a suspected arms shipment at Tincan Island Port.

‎Customs officials said the consignment also contained hundreds of additional rifle components. The items include frames, trigger groups, charging handles, foregrips and barrels.

‎Following the completion of inventory and assessment, the weapons were handed over to the Director General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons under the Office of the National Security Adviser. Two suspects arrested during the preliminary investigation have also been transferred to the NSA for further investigation.

‎Adeniyi reaffirmed the Customs Service’s commitment to intelligence-led enforcement, stronger border surveillance and sustained collaboration with security agencies. He said the goal is to dismantle arms-trafficking networks and keep illegal weapons out of Nigeria.