LAGOS – The Lagos command of the Nigeria Customs Service under the Marine and Maritime Affairs Commission (MMAC) has successfully seized a cache of illegal firearms alongside 75 bags of pangolin scales and other prohibited items during a recent operation in the state.
Officials revealed that the seizure is part of intensified efforts to clamp down on smuggling and illegal wildlife trade activities along the nation’s ports and borders. The recovered firearms included several guns believed to be intended for illicit distribution, while the pangolin scales—a highly sought-after commodity in illegal wildlife markets—were concealed within shipments attempting to evade detection.
The Customs authority reiterated its commitment to curbing the trafficking of arms and endangered wildlife products, which pose significant threats to national security and biodiversity conservation.
Sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify the origin of the consignments and to apprehend those responsible for the smuggling attempt. This operation underscores the growing vigilance of customs officials in Lagos as they intensify border security and enforcement measures aimed at protecting Nigeria’s borders from illegal activities.
The MMAC Customs command called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to aid in the fight against smuggling and trafficking networks operating within and around the country’s maritime domain.
