Nigeria Customs Service seizes 603 firearms ahead of 2027 elections

The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted approximately 603 firearms between January and August 2026. These seizures have raised concerns regarding the potential for election-related violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A significant portion of the recovery occurred at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. Customs officials intercepted a container arriving on the vessel MV Velika, which contained 399 dismantled Jojef pump-action rifles and various firearm components, including frames, charging handles, and trigger groups. The items had been concealed to evade detection.

The seized weapons and ammunition have been handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further action. The 2027 election cycle, which includes presidential and National Assembly elections in January and governorship polls in February, will be the first conducted under the amended Electoral Act 2026.