The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against arms and drug smuggling. It intercepted a container loaded with concealed pump-action rifle parts and two other containers carrying cannabis-infused products valued at over ₦373.8 million at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. Customs Seizes Smuggled Pump-Action Rifles, Cannabis
Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, announced during a port briefing on Thursday that two suspects were arrested by authorities after the operation.
140 Pump-Action Rifles Recovered
Adeniyi disclosed that Customs officers uncovered a 20-foot container concealing dismantled components of JoJef double-barrel pump-action rifles.
The container, identified as TEMU-184536/9, arrived at Tin Can Island Port on July 8, 2026, aboard the vessel MV Velika.
He said the Service’s intelligence-driven risk management system flagged the shipment, prompting a detailed physical inspection that exposed the hidden firearm components.
He revealed that Customs operatives had already reassembled 140 pump-action rifles, while inventory and examination of the remaining parts are still ongoing to determine the total quantity smuggled into the country.
The Customs boss described the seizure as another demonstration of the agency’s determination to prevent illegal weapons from entering Nigeria and threatening national security.
Two Arrested, Main Suspect Still on the Run
Adeniyi said investigations led to the arrest of one suspect on July 21, 2026, while attempting to process the release of the container at a bonded terminal.
He explained that investigators established links between the suspect and the consignee through financial records, shipping documents, and telephone communications.
According to him, Customs also traced a ₦10,000 payment from a company account connected to the consignee, providing further evidence in the investigation.
While two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, the principal importer remains at large, with efforts ongoing to track and apprehend him.
Cannabis Products Hidden Inside Imported Goods
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying large quantities of Delta-8 cannabis-infused products concealed among imported goods, including used vehicles and pumping generators.
The seized items included:
- 105 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-rolled cookies, containing 8,720 pieces weighing 17.44 kilograms, valued at ₦308.79 million.
- 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies, weighing 515.2 kilograms and valued at ₦40.7 million.
- 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies, weighing 309.4 kilograms, with an estimated value of ₦24.31 million.
The combined street value of the intercepted narcotics was put at ₦373.8 million.
Customs Warns Criminal Networks
Adeniyi said the seizures highlight the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by transnational criminal syndicates, which conceal prohibited items within legitimate cargo to evade security checks.
He credited the successful operations to intelligence-led enforcement, advanced cargo profiling technology, and close collaboration with other security agencies.
The Customs CG also praised the Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and members of the Enforcement Unit for their professionalism and vigilance during the operations.
Election Period Raises Security Concerns
Adeniyi warned that security agencies are maintaining heightened surveillance as Nigeria approaches another election season, noting that criminal groups may attempt to smuggle more illegal weapons into the country to fuel violence.
He assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue deploying modern intelligence tools, technology, and inter-agency cooperation to dismantle smuggling syndicates, prosecute offenders, and strengthen border security.
The Customs chief also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and disrupting criminal networks involved in the illegal importation of arms and narcotics.
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