Security experts have raised concerns that most illegal arms and ammunition entering Nigeria are being smuggled through the Tin Can Island and Apapa ports in Lagos, as well as various land borders in states such as Enugu, Cross River, Kwara, Oyo, and Ogun. These illicit arms are believed to be significantly contributing to the nation’s worsening security crisis, particularly in the North-West and North-East regions.
According to reports from Daily Trust, these illegal arms have exacerbated instability in the country. However, experts also commend the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for their recent successes in intercepting significant quantities of arms and ammunition that could have jeopardized national security.
On July 1, 2024, the NCS announced a major seizure in Rivers State, where they intercepted a 40-foot container filled with 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition, concealed among furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags. This seizure, with a duty-paid value of N13.9 billion, was made possible through collaboration with local and international intelligence agencies. Additional contraband, including drugs valued at over N9.6 billion, was also confiscated.
Customs officials have intercepted several large caches of illegal weapons in recent years, including rifles, ammunition, and bomb-making materials, smuggled into the country through major ports and land borders. Despite these efforts, experts stress that much more needs to be done, especially in identifying and prosecuting those responsible for importing these dangerous items.
Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, Secretary of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans, criticized the lack of oversight at private jetties, which he claimed are frequently used to smuggle illegal arms into the country. He urged the government to deploy intelligence officers to monitor these jetties and improve security.
Security expert Aliyu Garba also expressed frustration over the lack of accountability, questioning why the identities of those responsible for the illegal importation are rarely revealed or prosecuted. Garba called for greater transparency and prosecution to curb the flow of illicit arms into Nigeria.
The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), which has taken custody of the seized arms and ammunition, reassured the public that efforts are ongoing to ensure that the weapons are properly documented and destroyed. The NSA is also collaborating with INTERPOL and Customs administrations from the countries of origin to further investigate these illegal activities.
Experts continue to urge the Customs Service and other security agencies to intensify their efforts in curbing illegal arms smuggling, which remains a serious threat to Nigeria’s stability and security.
