CUSTOMS HANDS OVER 204 SEIZED RIFLES

The Nigeria Customs Service has handed over 204 seized rifles to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

The weapons were reportedly intercepted and seized by customs officers during operations aimed at preventing the illegal movement of arms into and across the country.

The handover is part of efforts by government agencies to ensure that recovered weapons are properly documented, secured and managed by the appropriate authorities.

The Customs Service said the seizure demonstrated its commitment to strengthening border security and preventing prohibited goods from entering the country.

Officials stressed the importance of cooperation among security agencies in tackling arms trafficking and other forms of organised crime.

The recovered rifles are expected to undergo further documentation and processing by the relevant authorities in line with established procedures.

The development comes amid continued concerns over the circulation of illegal firearms and their possible use in criminal activities across Nigeria.

Security agencies have intensified efforts to intercept arms and other prohibited items at the nation’s borders and prevent them from reaching criminal groups.

The Customs Service urged members of the public to support efforts to combat arms smuggling by providing relevant information to security authorities.

The agency also warned individuals involved in the illegal importation or transportation of firearms that they would face prosecution when apprehended.

Officials said continued collaboration among customs, security and intelligence agencies would be necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s efforts against arms trafficking.

The handover underscores the government’s broader efforts to control the circulation of small arms and light weapons and improve national security.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to intercepting illegal weapons and ensuring that recovered firearms are transferred to the appropriate institutions for proper handling.