The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has uncovered 399 fully assembled Jojef rifles and several supplementary rifle components following a detailed examination of an arms shipment intercepted at the Tin Can Island Port Command in Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, had earlier disclosed the seizure of a container containing concealed crates of knocked-down rifle components. Following further examination and assembly of the recovered items, Customs officials confirmed the discovery of 399 complete firearms.
According to the NCS, additional parts recovered from the shipment include 89 frames, 80 charging handles, 57 trigger groups, 66 foregrip latches, 45 foregrips or handguards, 39 pistol-grip screws, 34 springs, 25 locking lugs, 16 heat shields, 10 trigger pins, four pistol grips, five barrels and three pistons.
Adeniyi warned that criminal networks could attempt to exploit Nigeria’s borders, ports and airports to move prohibited items into the country ahead of the next general elections. He said the Customs Service would strengthen surveillance and enforcement operations to prevent the movement of illicit arms.
Following the completion of the inventory and assessment of the seized shipment, the NCS said the firearms and related items will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further action.
