Cracking Down on Illicit Arms While Raising Revenue: PTML Nigeria Customs Seizes Cache in Lagos

By Lod Onyeji

In a bold move to curb unlawful trade, the Ports Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized a significant cache of arms and ammunition, worth millions of naira, at the Apapa Port in Lagos. The haul includes five pistols, a Crossman pump master rifle, 132 Remington live cartridges, and 51 9mm Lugar live ammunition, among other items.

This seizure is a testament to the command's commitment to implementing the Revised Kyoto Convention, a World Customs Organisation (WCO) instrument for trade facilitation. The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joe Anani, attributed the success to the collective efforts of the command and sister agencies, stating, "These seizures are a fallout of the collective due diligence of the Command and other sister agencies in the port."

Similar successes have been recorded in other parts of the world. For instance, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized over 1,000 firearms and 200,000 rounds of ammunition at the U.S.-Mexico border in 2022. In Australia, the Australian Border Force (ABF) has implemented a range of measures to detect and prevent illicit firearms imports, resulting in a significant reduction in gun-related crimes.

The PTML Command has also made significant strides in revenue collection, generating ₦44,058,849,416.65 in January 2026, an 8.8% increase from the previous year. This achievement can be attributed to the implementation of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, which has enhanced productivity and detection capabilities.

To further enhance border security, the command plans to deploy scanners as part of the NCS Modernisation Project. This initiative is expected to improve detection capabilities and prevent the importation of illicit arms and ammunition.

The seized arms and ammunition were handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further action, demonstrating the command's commitment to collaborating with other agencies to combat illicit trade.

Practicable solutions to combat illicit arms trade include:

- Implementing advanced scanning technologies to detect concealed items

- Enhancing interagency collaboration and intelligence sharing

- Strengthening border control and surveillance

- Implementing strict penalties for those involved in illicit arms trade

These measures can help Nigeria curb the proliferation of illicit arms and ammunition, promoting a safer and more secure environment for its citizens.