The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has intercepted a container carrying concealed components of pump-action rifles and seized cannabis-infused products valued at ₦373.8 million at the Tin Can Island Port Command in Lagos.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi described the operation as a major success in the fight against transnational criminal networks using Nigerian seaports to smuggle prohibited weapons and narcotics.
According to him, the breakthrough followed intelligence-led surveillance after Container No. TEMU 184536/9, which arrived aboard MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026, was flagged by the Customs risk management system for detailed examination.
A physical inspection at the Customs Enforcement Station uncovered hidden crates containing dismantled parts preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles. Customs said the recovered components are undergoing technical examination and inventory to determine their exact quantity and configuration.
Further investigation led to the arrest of a suspect on July 31, 2026, at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while allegedly attempting to facilitate the release of the container.
The Service said financial records, documents and telecommunications analysis linked the suspect to the named consignee, including a ₦10,000 payment traced to a company account associated with the consignee on the day of the arrest.
Customs confirmed that two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while another principal suspect is on the run and is being actively tracked by law enforcement agencies.
In a separate operation, Customs officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers concealing cannabis-infused products among legitimate imports such as used vehicles, pumping generators, polypropylene spunbond fabric, tubular batteries and thunder arrester cables.
The seized narcotic products included:
- 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies containing 8,720 pieces (17.44kg) valued at ₦308.7 million.
- 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies comprising 740 packs (515.2kg) valued at ₦40.7 million.
- 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies containing 442 packs (309.4kg) valued at ₦24.3 million.
Adeniyi said the interceptions show the growing sophistication of international criminal syndicates that hide prohibited goods within legitimate trade shipments.
He added that the success of the operations demonstrates the effectiveness of Customs’ intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, risk-profiling systems and collaboration with other security agencies.
The Comptroller-General reaffirmed the Service’s determination to identify, arrest and prosecute all individuals connected to the smuggling networks.
He also commended officers of the Tin Can Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance and professionalism, while appreciating the support of partner security agencies.
Customs said investigations are continuing and promised to keep the public informed as prosecution of those involved progresses.
