Customs intercepts container loaded with pump-action rifles, N373.8 million cannabis at Tin Can, arrests two

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a 20-foot container loaded with concealed parts of pump-action rifles and two 40-foot containers carrying cannabis-infused products at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, arresting two suspects in connection with the seizures.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the port on Thursday, revealing that 140 double-barrel pump-action rifles had been reassembled from the seized container as of the time of the briefing, while examination and inventory were still ongoing. He added that the principal importer of the firearms remained at large.

Adeniyi said the 20-foot container, with number TEMU-184536/9, arrived at the Tin Can Island Port on July 8, 2026, aboard the vessel MV Velika but was flagged by the Service’s intelligence-driven risk management system for enhanced surveillance.

According to him, Customs officers kept the container under close watch before subjecting it to a detailed physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station, where concealed crates containing knocked-down components of Jojef pump-action rifles were uncovered.

“We are currently undertaking detailed examination and inventory to determine the exact quantity and the configuration recovered. As at the time of putting down these reports, 140 pieces of double-barrel JoJef action rifle has been discovered. The counting is still in progress,” Adeniyi said.

He said investigations led to the arrest of a key suspect on July 21, 2026, at a bonded terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container, adding that documentary evidence, financial records and telecommunication analysis linked the suspect to the consignee named in the shipping documents.

“Two suspects are currently in custody and they are assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively pursued,” he said.

The Customs boss also disclosed that officers intercepted two 40-foot containers laden with Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies concealed alongside two used vehicles, two used pumping generators and other imported goods in a bid to evade detection.

He said the seized narcotic products have a combined street value of N373.8 million, warning that criminal syndicates were becoming more sophisticated in exploiting legitimate trade channels to traffic illicit weapons and dangerous drugs.

Adeniyi commended the Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and officers of the Enforcement Unit for their vigilance, dedication and timely response, which led to the successful seizures.

He assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to deploy intelligence, technology and inter-agency collaboration to dismantle transnational smuggling networks, prosecute offenders and protect the nation’s borders.

Warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, Adeniyi said the Service would intensify surveillance to prevent criminal elements from smuggling weapons into the country through the nation’s ports, airports and land borders.

“This is a very delicate period for Nigerian history. We are about entering a major election cycle and we know that at this period men of the underworld will want to use our borders, our ports and 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 said.

He added that investigations into both seizures were ongoing and expressed confidence that more arrests and prosecutions would follow as authorities unravel the syndicates behind the illegal importations.