By: Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, on Thursday handed over seized arms and ammunition to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), reaffirming its commitment to curbing arms smuggling and strengthening national security.
The handover ceremony, held on January 30, 2026, was conducted with the approval of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, under whose leadership the seizures were recorded.
Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller, PTML Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, said the exercise highlighted the Service’s resolve to prevent prohibited items from evading Customs controls, ensure that only legitimate trade thrives within Nigeria’s borders, and deepen inter-agency collaboration.
Items handed over include five pistols of different makes, one Crosman Pumpmaster rifle, 132 rounds of Remington live cartridges, 51 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition, four 9mm magazines, 40 rounds of assorted 9mm and NIM FC 30-30 blank and hollow ammunition, as well as 118 pieces of 9mm empty shells.
Anani disclosed that the arms and ammunition were uncovered on 25 different occasions during the examination of imported vehicles between 2022 and 2025, attributing the seizures to the collective diligence of officers of the command working alongside sister agencies at the port.
He warned that the PTML Command remains a no-go area for unlawful trade, stressing that the command would continue to deploy available manpower and technology to enforce compliance while facilitating legitimate import and export operations in line with the Revised Kyoto Convention of the World Customs Organisation.
The Customs Area Controller also revealed that the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, introduced under the Nigeria Customs Service Modernisation Project, has improved operational efficiency at the command. He added that the PTML Command is expected to receive scanners soon, which will further enhance the detection of concealed prohibited items.
On revenue performance, Anani announced that with two days to the end of January, the command had generated ₦44.06 billion, surpassing the ₦40.49 billion collected in the same period in 2025 by ₦3.56 billion, representing an 8.8 per cent increase.
He commended compliant stakeholders for their continued cooperation and support, describing them as key contributors to the command’s success.
The seized arms and ammunition were formally handed over to the NCCSALW for further investigation and necessary action.
