Customs Intercepts Concealed Rifle Parts, Seizes ₦373.8m Cannabis Products at Tin Can Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded another major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations with the interception of a container concealing parts of pump-action rifles and the seizure of cannabis-infused products valued at ₦373.8 million at the Tin Can Island Port Command in Lagos.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the development during a press briefing, describing the seizures as a significant blow to transnational criminal networks using Nigeria’s seaports to smuggle prohibited weapons and illicit drugs.

According to him, the operation followed intelligence-driven surveillance after Container No. TEMU 184536/9, which arrived aboard MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026, was flagged by the Service’s risk management system for detailed examination.

A physical inspection of the container uncovered concealed crates containing knocked-down components believed to be JoJeff pump-action rifles.

Adeniyi said the recovered rifle parts are undergoing further technical examination to determine their exact quantity and configuration.

Suspects Arrested

The investigation led to the arrest of one suspect on July 31, 2026, at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container.

According to Customs, documentary evidence, financial records 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.

The Service confirmed that two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being tracked by security agencies.

₦373.8m Cannabis Products Seized

In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers loaded with cannabis-infused products concealed among legitimate imports, including used vehicles, pumping generators, polypropylene spunbond fabric, tubular batteries and thunder arrester cables.

The seized items include:

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.

The total estimated street value of the illicit substances is ₦373,802,640.

Customs Vows to Sustain Crackdown

Adeniyi said the seizures demonstrate the growing sophistication of criminal syndicates attempting to use legitimate trade channels to traffic prohibited goods into the country.

He noted that the successful operations underscore the effectiveness of the Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling systems and collaboration with other security agencies.

The Comptroller-General reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to identifying, arresting and prosecuting everyone connected to the criminal network.

“Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics or other prohibited goods,” he said.

He also commended officers of the Tin Can Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their professionalism and vigilance, while appreciating the support of partner security agencies.

The Nigeria Customs Service added that investigations are ongoing and assured Nigerians that updates would be provided as prosecutions commence.