The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted components of more than 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused products with a combined street value of ₦373.8 million at the Tincan Island Port, Lagos.
The seizures, according to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, were the outcome of intelligence-led operations and enhanced risk profiling by the Service.
Adeniyi, who disclosed this on Thursday, August 6, 2026, said the container containing the arms components arrived at the port aboard MV VELIKA on July 8 but was flagged for enhanced examination by the Customs intelligence-driven risk management system.
A detailed examination uncovered concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as parts of JoJeff pump-action rifles.
The CGC said two suspects had been arrested in connection with the consignment, while another principal suspect remained at large and was being tracked by security operatives.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying cannabis-infused products concealed alongside used vehicles, generators, batteries and other imported goods.
The seized items included 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies, 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies and 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies.
The consignments were valued at ₦373,802,640.
Adeniyi said the interceptions exposed the growing sophistication of transnational criminal networks exploiting legitimate trade channels to move prohibited weapons and narcotics into Nigeria.
He attributed the successes to the NCS’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk-profiling systems and collaboration with sister security agencies.
The Customs boss, however, warned that criminal elements could attempt to exploit Nigeria’s borders, seaports and airports as the country approaches another election cycle.
“We are about entering a major election cycle and we know that by this period, men of the underworld will want to use our borders, our ports, our airports to bring in items like this. We are going to redouble our efforts to ensure that we do not allow them to do so.”
He also warned against internal collusion, saying the Service would not shield officers who facilitate the movement of prohibited goods capable of threatening national security.
“The Nigeria Customs Service will not harbour any of these people who want to serve as accomplices or use their position to influence the importation of goods that will threaten our peace and security and the peaceful conduct of the next general election.”
Adeniyi urged members of the public to provide credible intelligence to security agencies to assist efforts to disrupt smuggling networks and organised crime.
He commended officers of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance and professionalism, assuring that investigations would continue to identify, arrest and prosecute all persons linked to the consignments.
He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to securing the nation’s borders while facilitating legitimate trade.