Officials said the containers were listed in documents as construction
material. They said the containers, transported by an Iranian ship, reached
the Nigerian port of Lagos and was unloaded in late October.
"Upon opening the first container, the service operatives discovered
rocket launchers, grenades and other explosives," Nigerian State Security
Service spokeswoman Marilyn Ogar said.
Officials said the ship that contained the weapons, identified as MV
CMA-CGM Everest, came from Iran. They said the weapons on board appeared
similar to those used by Taliban and Al Qaida in Afghanistan.
Israel has been working with Nigeria in examining the shipment. Israeli
security sources said the Iranian shipment was believed destined for the
Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip.
"This marks a new smuggling route after other routes through Sudan have
been closed," an Israeli source said.
Hamas has not acknowledged the seized weapons shipment. On Oct. 28,
Hamas Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar said the Islamic regime would continue
to develop and acquire weapons to confront Israel.