Customs intercept 204 pump-action rifles concealed in household goods

By Joy Enamuna

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Port Command, have intercepted a container loaded with 204 pump-action rifles concealed among household items imported from Turkey.

The seizure, which was made following intelligence received by the command, occurred less than three weeks after Customs officers at the same port intercepted dismantled components of pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused snacks.

The 20-foot container was declared as carrying used household goods and arrived at the port on August 16, 2026, aboard the vessel, MV Algeciras Express. It was subsequently flagged for inspection on August 18 based on credible intelligence.

A thorough physical examination of the container led to the discovery of the firearms hidden among furniture, refrigerators, solar panels and detergents.

Speaking during a press briefing, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Timi Bomodi, said Customs personnel worked with officials of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to identify and assemble the recovered firearm components.

He said the examination established that the shipment contained 204 MAS 49 ALTER MAGNUM pump-action rifles, in addition to several other components.

Bomodi listed the recovered components as 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.

The Customs chief added that discrepancies were discovered in the import documentation, particularly concerning the identity of the consignee, stressing that further investigation was underway to unravel those behind the attempted importation and determine the circumstances surrounding the consignment.