The Nigeria Customs Service says it has intercepted a container conveying concealed parts of pump-action rifles, alongside the seizure of two 40-foot containers laden with cannabis-infused products concealed among imported goods with a combined street value of all illicit substances seized is ₦373,802,640.
Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi who disclosed this while briefing the press, representatives of other sister security and law enforcement agencies, officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service explained that significant enforcement operations carried out by the Nigeria Customs Service at the Tincan Island Port Command led to the Interception of the items.
These operations, he maintained, underscore our unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders from prohibited imports that threaten national security and public health.
He said, ” On 8 July 2026,Container No. TEMU 184536/9 arrived at Tincan Island Port aboard MV VELIKA and was flagged through our intelligence-driven risk management system for enhanced monitoring. Acting on credible intelligence, officers placed the container under surveillance and subsequently subjected it to a detailed physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station.
‘The examination uncovered concealed crates containing knocked-down
components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles, which are currently undergoing detailed technical examination and inventory to determine the exact quantity and configuration recovered.”
According to the CGC, “Investigations extended beyond the seizure. On 31 July 2026, one suspect was arrested at Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container. Documentary evidence, financial records, and telecommunications analysis established his connection with the named consignee, including a ₦10,000 payment received from a company account linked to the consignee on the day of his arrest. Two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively pursued. ”
Meanwhile, in a separate enforcement operation, officers intercepted two 40-foot containers conveying illicit cannabis-infused products concealed alongside two used vehicles, two used pumping generators, rolls of blue polypropylene spunbond fabric, ànew tubular batteries, and thunder arrester cables.
Others include:
a. 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies (8,720 pieces;
17.44kg) valued at ₦308,792,640.
b. 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies (740 packs; 515.2kg) valued at ₦40,700,000.
c. 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies (442 packs; 309.4kg) valued at ₦24,310,000.
These interceptions, CG Adeniyi insists, demonstrate the growing sophistication of transnational criminal networks that exploit legitimate trade channels to traffic illicit weapons and dangerous narcotic products. They also reaffirm the effectiveness of the Nigeria Customs Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling systems, and strong inter-agency collaboration.
Speaking further the CGC said “Let me state unequivocally that the Nigeria Customs Service will stop at nothing to identify, track, arrest, and prosecute every individual connected to these criminal enterprises. Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics, or other prohibited goods”.
He commended the officers and men of the Tincan Island Port Command, the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication, which made these significant seizures possible, while also appreciating the continued support of other sister security and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding our nation.
He assured Nigerians that the Service remains resolute in securing our borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and preventing the importation of prohibited and dangerous goods.
He also encouraged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support the efforts of the officers and men of the NCS against smuggling and transnational organised crime.
The CGC promised to continue to keep the public informed as investigations progress and prosecutions commence.