– LAGOS, Nigeria
The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigerian Customs Service intercepted 204 pump-action rifles smuggled from Turkey. The seizure was announced today during a press conference at the port. The 20-foot container, TEMU number 184536/9, arrived on August 16, 2026, aboard the vessel MV Algeciras Express. Following a tip, officers intercepted the shipment and conducted a full physical inspection on August 18.
The firearms, later identified as MAS 49 ALTER MAGNUM models, were found disassembled and concealed among declared used goods, such as furniture, refrigerators, solar panels, and detergents. Discrepancies in the shipping documentation and recipient information raised suspicions and are now under investigation.
A joint team of armament experts from Customs and officials from the National Center for Small Arms and Light Weapons Control assembled the components, recovering 204 complete rifles along with spare parts such as barrels, triggers, grips, and springs. The seized weapons were formally handed over to the Center.
This seizure came shortly after a similar one at the same port, in which components for 399 rifles were confiscated. Customs officials described this latest success as the result of ongoing intelligence gathering and reaffirmed their commitment to blocking the illegal importation of weapons that pose a risk to national security.