The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 204 pump-action rifles concealed among household goods at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos State.
The illegal firearms were discovered inside a 20-foot container imported from Turkey following intelligence and surveillance by officers of the Tin Can Island Port Command.
According to Customs officials, the container, identified as TEMU 184536/9, arrived at the port aboard the MV Algeciras Express on August 16, 2026. It was later flagged for examination and subjected to a full physical inspection on August 18.
During the search, officers reportedly found firearm components hidden among used household items, including furniture, refrigerators, solar panels and detergent.
The recovered weapons included 204 MAS 49 ALTER MAGNUM pump-action rifles. Other parts discovered in the container included trigger pins, locking lugs, charging handles, springs, trigger groups, grips and barrels.
The latest seizure came barely two weeks after the Tin Can Island Port Command intercepted another shipment containing knocked-down firearm parts, which were later assembled into 399 pump-action rifles.
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The earlier weapons were subsequently handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Customs authorities said the interception was part of continued efforts to stop the smuggling of prohibited firearms into Nigeria and prevent weapons from falling into the hands of criminals.
Investigations are expected to continue to identify and apprehend those behind the importation of the illegal firearms.
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