…Reaffirms Commitment to National Security
By Ibe Wada
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ports & Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, has handed over seized ammunition to the Zonal Directorate of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), South-West Zone, reinforcing its commitment to national security.
At a brief ceremony held at the PTML Command’s Headquarters in Lagos on 3 June 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, officially handed over 75 rounds of 12-gauge live cartridges, four rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and an empty 9mm magazine to the Zonal Coordinator of the NCCSALW, CP Alamotun Abiodun (rtd).
He noted that the action is in line with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, as part of the service’s core mandate to rid the nation of illegal arms and strengthen national security.
“Though the seizure may seem small in quantity, even one bullet is evil and can cause significant harm. That is why we operate a zero-tolerance approach”, he explained.
He further explained that the ammunition was discovered during a meticulous examination of two imported vehicles, a used Toyota Tundra and Hyundai Sonata.
According to him, officers, acting on enhanced intelligence and detailed inspection protocols, uncovered the concealed items hidden in unlikely compartments, including seat foams and the tank cover.
“Our officers went beyond the routine checks. The diligence of our examination team and the support of partner security agencies in the Command were instrumental to this interception”, he added.
He clarified that the seizure occurred over six months ago and followed a thorough investigative process.
“No arrests were made, as findings revealed the vehicles were purchased online without the buyers’ knowledge of the concealed items. After investigation and subsequent approval from Headquarters, we proceeded with the handover.”
Receiving the items, the Zonal Coordinator, South-West of the NCCSALW, CP Alamotun Abiodun (rtd), commended the efforts of the Command in prioritising security.
“This development is symbolic. While the quantity may appear minimal, its potential danger is immense. It affirms our collective resolve to stop illegal arms inflow”.
He also used the opportunity to remind security agencies that the NCCSALW holds the statutory authority to collect recovered illicit arms nationwide.
Abiodun further stressed the Centre’s commitment to sensitisation and advocacy, noting that collaborative action is key to controlling the circulation of unlawful arms in Nigeria.
