The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container concealing components of pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused products worth ₦373.8 million at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.
Announcing the seizures on Thursday, August 6th, 2016, while addressing journalists and other security agencies, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the operations as a major breakthrough in the Service’s sustained campaign against the importation of prohibited items that pose serious threats to national security and public health.
He added that the seizures were a significant victory against transnational criminal networks exploiting Nigeria’s seaports to smuggle prohibited weapons and dangerous narcotics into the country.
According to Adeniyi, Container No. TEMU 184536/9, which arrived aboard MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026, was flagged by the Service’s intelligence-based risk management system and placed under intensive surveillance before undergoing a detailed physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station.
A comprehensive physical examination conducted at the Customs Enforcement Station revealed concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles. The recovered components are currently undergoing technical examination and inventory to determine their exact quantity and configuration.
The Customs boss disclosed that the recovered firearm components are currently undergoing comprehensive technical examination and inventory to determine their exact quantity and configuration.
Adeniyi further revealed that investigations extended beyond the seizure, leading to the arrest of one suspect on July 31, 2026, at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container.
He explained that documentary evidence, financial records and telecommunications analysis established the suspect’s connection with the named consignee, including a ₦10,000 payment traced to a company account linked to the consignee on the day of the arrest.
According to the CGC, two suspects are currently in Customs custody assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively tracked by security operatives.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers conveying cannabis-infused products cleverly concealed alongside two used vehicles, two used pumping generators, rolls of blue polypropylene spunbond fabric, new tubular batteries and thunder arrester cables.
The seized narcotic products include:
109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies containing 8,720 pieces, weighing 17.44kg, with a street value of ₦308,792,640.
125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies comprising 740 packs, weighing 515.2kg, valued at ₦40,700,000.
Others are 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies comprising 442 packs, weighing 309.4kg, with a street value of ₦24,310,000.
The total street value of the intercepted cannabis-infused products was put at ₦373,802,640.
Adeniyi noted that the interceptions demonstrate the growing sophistication of transnational criminal networks exploiting legitimate international trade channels to smuggle illicit arms and narcotic substances into the country.
He said the successful operations also validate the effectiveness of the Nigeria Customs Service’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling systems and robust collaboration with sister security and law enforcement agencies.
The Comptroller-General reaffirmed the Service’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks engaged in smuggling, stressing that every individual connected to the illegal operations would be identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Nigeria’s ports will never serve as safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics or other prohibited goods,” Adeniyi declared.
He commended officers and men of the Tin Can Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance, professionalism and dedication, which culminated in the successful interceptions.
The CGC also acknowledged the continued support of sister security and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the nation’s borders.
Reassuring Nigerians of the Service’s commitment to its statutory mandate, Adeniyi said the Nigeria Customs Service would remain resolute in securing the nation’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade and preventing the importation of prohibited and dangerous goods.
He urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support the fight against smuggling and transnational organised crime, adding that the Service would keep Nigerians informed as investigations progress and the prosecution of the suspects begins.
Photo: CGC Adeniyi displaying the pump-action rifles.
