TINCAN CUSTOMS INTENSIFIES PORT SECURITY: 204 RIFLES INTERCEPTED BARELY 3 WEEKS AFTER LAST SEIZURE

Tincan Customs Intensifies Port Security: 204 Rifles Intercepted Barely 3 Weeks After Last Seizure

By Babatunde Aremu

*Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, *Tin Can Island Port Command* have again intercepted a consignment of arms, seizing *204 pump-action rifles* concealed among household goods.

This latest seizure comes barely three weeks after the Command intercepted knocked-down pump-action rifle components and cannabis-infused snacks at the same port. 53a4

According to the Service, the 20-foot container was declared as containing used household items. It arrived from *Turkey* aboard the vessel *MV Algeciras Express* on *August 16, 2026*, and was flagged for examination two days later following credible intelligence. 53a4

A 100 per cent physical examination led to the discovery of the firearms concealed among furniture, refrigerators, solar panels and detergents. 53a4

Speaking at a press briefing, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, *DCG Timi Bomodi*, said Customs experts working with officials of the *National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, NCCSALW*, assembled the recovered components. 53a4

The exercise identified *204 MAS 49 ALTER MAGNUM pump-action rifles*, alongside leftover components including 39 trigger pins, 58 locking lugs, 53 charging handles, 55 pistol grip screws, 56 springs, 56 trigger groups, 38 forward grips, 67 forward grip latches, 56 pistol grips, 54 barrels and two U-plates. 53a4

Bomodi disclosed that there were discrepancies in the import documents, particularly regarding the identity of the consignee, and that investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shipment.