Customs Intercepts Rifle Parts, Seizes ₦373.8m Cannabis Products at Tincan Port
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container concealing parts of pump-action rifles and seized cannabis-infused products with an estimated street value of ₦373.8 million at the Tincan Island Port Command, dealing another major blow to smuggling networks.
Announcing the seizures during a press briefing on Thursday, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, said the operations were the result of intelligence-driven surveillance and advanced risk profiling aimed at preventing the importation of prohibited weapons and illicit drugs through the nation’s seaports.
According to him, the breakthrough began 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 at the Customs Enforcement Station uncovered concealed wooden crates containing disassembled components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles. Adeniyi disclosed that the recovered parts are undergoing technical examination to determine their exact quantity and configuration.
The investigation later led to the arrest of a suspect on July 31 at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container. He said investigators established links between the suspect and the named consignee through documentary evidence, financial records, and telecommunications analysis, including a ₦10,000 payment traced to a company account connected to the consignee on the day of the arrest.
The Customs Service confirmed that two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively tracked by security agencies.
In a related operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers concealing cannabis-infused products among legitimate imports, including used vehicles, pumping generators, polypropylene spunbond fabric, tubular batteries, and thunder arrester cables.
The seizures comprised 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) worth ₦40.7 million; and 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 was put at ₦373,802,640.
Adeniyi said the seizures reflect the increasingly sophisticated methods adopted by international criminal syndicates to move prohibited firearms and narcotics through legitimate trade channels.
He noted that the successful interceptions demonstrate the effectiveness of the Service’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy, enhanced risk management system, and close collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies.
The Comptroller-General vowed that the Service would continue to identify, arrest, and prosecute all individuals connected with the criminal networks.
“Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics, or other prohibited goods,” Adeniyi declared.
He commended officers of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their professionalism and vigilance, while also appreciating the support of partner security agencies.
The Customs boss reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to securing the nation’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and preventing the importation of prohibited goods. He also called on members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to aid the fight against smuggling and organised transnational crime.
The Nigeria Customs Service said investigations into both cases are ongoing and assured Nigerians that further updates would be provided as prosecutions progress.
