The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted components believed to be parts of more than 140 pump-action rifles and seized cannabis-infused products worth ₦373.8 million at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Thursday, August 6, 2026, saying the container carrying the suspected arms components was flagged through the Service’s intelligence-driven risk management system.
The container, which arrived aboard MV VELIKA on July 8, was subjected to a thorough examination, leading to the discovery of concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizure, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being tracked.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying cannabis-infused cookies, gummies and pre-roll products concealed alongside used vehicles, generators, batteries and other goods.
The seized products 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, with a combined street value of ₦373,802,640.
Adeniyi said the seizures highlight the growing sophistication of criminal networks attempting to exploit legitimate trade channels to smuggle prohibited weapons and narcotics into Nigeria.
He warned that the Service would intensify border surveillance ahead of the next general elections to prevent criminals from exploiting Nigeria’s ports, airports and borders.
The Customs chief also assured Nigerians that the Service would take action against personnel who assist or facilitate the smuggling of items capable of threatening national security.
He commended officers of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance and professionalism, while urging members of the public to provide credible information to support efforts against smuggling and organised crime.
