Arms smuggling: Trace supply chain, stop weapons at source — SEREC to FG

By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

LAGOS — The Sea Empowerment & Research Center (SEREC) has urged the Federal Government to move beyond intercepting illegal firearms at Nigerian ports and trace the entire supply chain to prevent weapons from leaving their countries of origin.

The call followed the recent interception of 204 firearms and firearm components concealed among declared household goods at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The consignment originated from Turkey.

SEREC, in its end-of-month advisory bulletin issued on August 31, 2026, and made available to Vanguard on September 1, commended the Tin Can Island Port Command for the intelligence-led operation.

However, the centre said the seizure should be treated as a national security intelligence signal requiring a broader investigation into the network behind the shipment.