Customs Tincan Port Command Hands Over Seized Arms to DSS
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, has officially handed over seized arms, ammunition, and military accessories to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.
The handover ceremony, held on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, was led by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Frank Onyeka, at the Command headquarters.
According to Comptroller Onyeka, the intercepted items were discovered during a joint inspection on 3 June 2025 at Clarion Bonded Terminal, Lagos, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.
Items recovered from a container shipped from the United States include a Ruger P345 pistol (Reg. No. 664-75425), a Glock 23 Gen 4 Austria pistol (Reg. No. TO 6252), 100 rounds of live 9mm ammunition, 34 rounds of blank 9mm ammunition, four rounds of unspecified blank ammunition, five empty magazines, two handcuffs, three pistol holsters, and one small iron torchlight. The weapons and accessories were concealed in four used vehicles: a Toyota Corolla, Mercedes-Benz GL 450, Toyota Highlander, and Mercedes-Benz E350.
The recovered items, along with the consignee, declarant, and two international passports belonging to the consignee, were transferred to the DSS.
“This handover reflects our unwavering commitment to national security and the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons,” Onyeka stated.
He warned smugglers against any attempt to undermine security protocols, stressing that such illegal actions would be met with stiff legal consequences.
The CAC emphasized that Customs is working closely with other agencies, including the Nigeria Police, NDLEA, NAQS, and NAFDAC, to combat the inflow of illicit drugs and contraband through the ports.
Comptroller Onyeka also commended his officers for their vigilance and thanked sister agencies and port stakeholders for their continued support in safeguarding national security.
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