Shuaibu Leads High-Stakes Interceptions in Ogun and Ondo …Handover Drone, Arms and Ammunition 

BY FUNMI ALUKO

In a bold demonstration of operational excellence and unwavering commitment to national security, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, has intercepted a cache of firearms, ammunition, and industrial drones in coordinated operations across Ogun and Ondo States.

The seizures, announced on Tuesday, were led by the Unit Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, whose strategic leadership and dedication to duty continue to set a high standard in border enforcement.

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Addressing newsmen, Comptroller Shuaibu revealed that the operations were executed based on credible intelligence and meticulous planning.

“On August 7, 2025, at approximately 2:13 a.m., a patrol team intercepted a suspicious Nissan Almera vehicle navigating the Ilara bush paths near the Ogun border. The occupants fled upon sighting officers, abandoning a concealed cargo of 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms (Italian origin), 1 Mossberg pump-action shotgun (USA-made), 4,841 rounds of live ammunition, 2 bales and 1 sack of second-hand clothing; and 2 cartons of Danu Spaghetti.

“The firearms were hidden beneath layers of second-hand clothing and food items, a tactic Shuaibu described as “a deliberate attempt to evade detection and undermine national security”, he explained.

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Speaking further, he said, “Just two days later, on August 9 at 9:10 a.m., another patrol team intercepted a Volkswagen Sprinter bus along the Akure-Ore axis in Ondo State. Inside a wooden box were two industrial drones lacking proper documentation.

“One suspect was arrested, and the total duty paid value (DPV) of all the seized items is estimated at ₦377.1 million.

Shuaibu emphasized that these interceptions reflect the Customs Service’s resolve under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi to dismantle smuggling networks and safeguard Nigeria’s borders.

“These kinds of seizures are not achieved without serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution. Our officers remain resolute and vigilant in suppressing smuggling to the barest minimum.”

He also reiterated the legal requirements for importing arms, ammunition, and drones, stressing the need for valid permits and an End User Certificate from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Any deviation, he warned, would be treated as a direct assault on national security.

A hard boiled anti-smuggling operative, Shuaibu, who previously served as Customs Area Controller in Ogun 1 Command, acknowledged the limitations of manpower in policing expansive border regions.

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He called for increased community engagement and public sensitization to discourage support for smuggling activities.

“At a time when our nation faces complex security challenges, it is imperative that all stakeholders remain aligned in our collective efforts,” he urged. “I call on all well-meaning Nigerians to report suspicious movements or activities within their communities.”

The seized arms and ammunition were thereafter handed over to the representative of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and prosecution.

Comptroller Shuaibu’s leadership continues to earn commendation for its blend of tactical precision, strategic foresight, and deep-rooted patriotism. His proactive stance against smuggling and his emphasis on intelligence-led operations underscore a career defined by service, vigilance, and an unrelenting pursuit of national safety.