Intelligence‑driven operations expose concealed weapons and illicit narcotics; suspects arrested as one remains on the run in Nigeria’s escalating fight against transnational crime
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has scored another breakthrough in its anti‑smuggling campaign, intercepting a container loaded with concealed pump‑action rifle parts and seizing cannabis‑infused products valued at ₦373.8 million at the Tin Can Island Port Command.
Comptroller‑General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, speaking at a press briefing, described the seizures as a decisive victory against transnational criminal networks exploiting Nigeria’s seaports to traffic prohibited weapons and narcotics.
The operation was triggered by intelligence 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.
A physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station uncovered crates containing knocked‑down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump‑action rifles. The parts are undergoing technical analysis to determine their exact quantity and configuration.
Investigations led to the arrest of a suspect on July 31, 2026, at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to facilitate the container’s release. Financial records and telecoms analysis linked the suspect to the named consignee, including a ₦10,000 payment traced to a company account on the day of the arrest. Two suspects are currently in custody, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively tracked.
Vanguard reports that in a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40‑foot containers concealing cannabis‑infused products among legitimate imports such as used vehicles, generators, polypropylene fabric, tubular batteries, and thunder arrester cables.
The seizures included:
109 cartons of Delta‑8 cannabis‑infused pre‑roll cookies (8,720 pieces, 17.44kg) valued at ₦308.7 million
125 cartons of Delta‑8 cannabis‑infused gummies (740 packs, 515.2kg) valued at ₦40.7 million
73 cartons of cannabis‑infused cookies (442 packs, 309.4kg) valued at ₦24.3 million
The total street value of the illicit substances is estimated at ₦373,802,640.
Adeniyi stressed that the interceptions highlight the growing sophistication of international syndicates using legitimate trade channels to traffic weapons and narcotics. He said the success underscores the effectiveness of Customs’ intelligence‑driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling, and collaboration with sister security agencies.
“Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics, or other prohibited goods,” he declared.
The Customs boss commended officers of the Tin Can Island Port Command and the Enforcement Unit for their vigilance and professionalism, while appreciating the support of partner agencies.
He assured Nigerians that the Service remains committed to securing borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and preventing the importation of prohibited goods, urging the public to continue providing credible intelligence.
The NCS confirmed that investigations are ongoing and pledged to keep the public informed as prosecutions begin.
PHOTO: Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, displaying some of the seized pump actions at the Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos this evening.
