Illegal importation of firearms into Nigeria has surged in recent years, raising significant concerns about national security. Reports indicate that billions of naira worth of arms have been smuggled into the country in the past seven years, with many of these weapons still unaccounted for.
Major entry points for the smuggling operations include Tin Can Island and Apapa ports in Lagos and land borders in Enugu, Cross River, and other regions.
Security experts and officials have linked these illicit firearms to Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, particularly in the North-West and North-East regions. Despite the gravity of the situation, some experts commend the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for recent arms seizures. However, they stress the need for increased vigilance and prosecution of those responsible for illegal imports.
Recent Seizures and Customs Efforts
On July 1, 2024, the Customs Service seized a 40-foot container in Rivers State containing 844 rifles and 12,500 rounds of ammunition, valued at ₦13.9 billion. This container, originating from Turkey, was intercepted through international intelligence cooperation. Alongside the arms, drugs and other contraband were also seized.
Over the past years, several other interceptions have occurred, notably at Tin Can Island, Apapa Port, and land borders across the country. These included confiscations of firearms like pump-action rifles, ammunition, bomb-making materials, and other weapons. Experts suggest that many of these weapons fuel violent conflicts in various regions.
firearms: The Smuggling Network and Expert Concerns
Security experts warn that much smuggling occurs through private jetties with limited government oversight. Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, Secretary of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans, urged deploying undercover operatives to these jetties to curb the inflow of arms. Additionally, Aliyu Garba, a security expert, questioned the reluctance of authorities to publicly identify the individuals behind the illegal shipments, calling for greater transparency.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) acknowledged the ongoing investigations into arms smuggling networks and noted that the seized weapons had been handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).
The Centre, part of the Office of the National Security Adviser, is responsible for managing and destroying the seized weapons to prevent them from being used to harm public safety.
Moving Forward
With arrests being made and investigations continuing, experts emphasise that more needs to be done to address the underlying issues enabling the illegal importation of arms.
The Nigerian government is urged to enhance security at ports and borders, prosecute offenders, and tighten control over private jetties to prevent further threats to national security.
