The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has uncovered a major smuggling operation at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, intercepting concealed parts of pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused products with a combined estimated value of ₦373.8 million.
The seizures were announced on Thursday by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the fight against the illegal movement of weapons and prohibited substances through Nigeria’s maritime gateways.
Adeniyi said the interception followed intelligence-led monitoring after Container No. TEMU 184536/9, which arrived aboard MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026, was flagged by the Customs risk management system for further inspection.
During a physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station, officers discovered concealed crates containing components suspected to be parts of JoJeff pump-action rifles. The recovered items are currently undergoing technical assessment to establish the exact number and configuration of the weapons.
The Customs investigation also led to the arrest of a suspect on July 31, 2026, at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while allegedly attempting to facilitate the release of the container. The agency said financial records, documents, and communication analysis linked the suspect to the consignee involved in the shipment.
Customs confirmed that two suspects are currently assisting with investigations, while another key suspect remains at large and is being pursued by security authorities.
In a separate operation at the port, officers intercepted two 40-foot containers containing cannabis-infused products hidden among legitimate imports, including used vehicles, pumping generators, polypropylene materials, batteries, and electrical cables.
The seized illicit substances included Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies, gummies, and cannabis-infused cookies. Customs valued the seized products at ₦373,802,640, describing the discovery as evidence of the growing tactics used by international criminal networks to exploit legitimate trade routes.
The Comptroller-General said the operations demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence gathering, risk profiling, and cooperation with other security agencies. He warned that Nigerian ports would not become entry points for illegal weapons, narcotics, or other prohibited items.
“ Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics, or other prohibited goods,” Adeniyi stated.
He praised officers of the Tin Can Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their professionalism, while assuring Nigerians that investigations would continue until all individuals connected to the smuggling networks are identified and prosecuted.
