The Nigerian Customs Service has intercepted 661 pump-action rifles in Lagos.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali disclosed this on Monday.

He said the weapons were loaded into a Mark truck with registration number BUG 265 XG, conveying a 40 feet container with number; PONU/825914/3 along Mile 2 Apapa Road, in Lagos.

He said the boxes were concealed with steel and other merchandise goods.

“Government decided to prohibit the license of pump action therefore the importation and transaction is totally against the law,” he said.

“Such deadly contravention of the law is even more unacceptable considering the fragile security situation in some parts of the country.

“Investigation has already commenced and I have directed that the dragnet should be wide enough to fish out all persons involved in the importation and clearing of the consignment.

“Already three suspects have been arrested in connection with this illegal importation and the officers involved in the clearing of this container are with the comptroller under detention.”

He commended the officers and men of the customs for the seizure.

He also urged the public to help the service with information to help perform its duties.

Azeez