BREAKING: Nigeria Customs Intercepts 140 Pump-Action Rifles, seizes ₦373.8 Million Cannabis-Infused Snacks at Tin Can Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a cache of concealed pump-action rifle components capable of assembling 140 firearms and seized cannabis-infused edible products worth an estimated ₦373.8 million at the Tin Can Island Port Command in Lagos, dealing a significant blow to transnational arms and drug trafficking networks.

The seizures were unveiled on Thursday, August 6, 2026, by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who described the operation as one of the Service’s major recent successes in preventing illegal weapons and narcotics from entering the country through Nigeria’s seaports.

Speaking during the presentation of the intercepted items to journalists, Adeniyi said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of the Service’s intelligence-driven risk management system and reinforced its commitment to safeguarding national security.

According to the Comptroller-General, the first interception involved a 20-foot container, identified as TEMU 184536/9, which arrived at the Tin Can Island Port on July 8, 2026, aboard the vessel MV VELIKA. The container was flagged for detailed inspection after being identified as high-risk by the Customs risk management system.

A comprehensive physical examination revealed wooden crates containing disassembled components of JoJeff double-barrel pump-action rifles carefully concealed inside the shipment. Customs officers have so far assembled 140 pump-action rifles from the recovered parts, while the inventory and examination of the remaining components continue.

Adeniyi disclosed that one suspect was arrested on July 31, 2026, at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to process the clearance of the container. He added that two other suspects are currently in custody and assisting investigators, while another principal suspect linked to the shipment remains at large.

In a separate anti-smuggling operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers loaded with cannabis-infused edible products that had been concealed among legitimate imported goods, including used vehicles, pumping generators, fabrics, batteries and electrical cables.

The seized narcotics consisted primarily of Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-infused products disguised as snacks.

According to the Customs Service, the seizure included 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies, containing 8,720 individual pieces weighing 17.44 kilograms and valued at approximately ₦308.7 million.

Officers also recovered 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies, comprising 740 packs with a combined weight of 515.2 kilograms and an estimated value of ₦40.7 million.

Additionally, 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies, containing 442 packs weighing 309.4 kilograms, were intercepted with an estimated street value of ₦24.3 million.

Combined, the illicit cannabis products have an estimated street value of ₦373.8 million.

Following standard inter-agency procedures, the seized narcotics have been formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

Adeniyi commended officers of the Tin Can Island Port Command and members of the Customs enforcement unit for their vigilance, professionalism and intelligence-led operations that resulted in the successful interceptions.

He reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s determination to prevent criminal organisations from using Nigerian ports as transit routes for illegal arms, narcotics and other prohibited goods.

The Comptroller-General also appealed to members of the public, port users and other stakeholders to continue providing credible intelligence that would assist security agencies in combating smuggling and other transnational crimes.

He stressed that collaboration between government agencies and the public remains critical to protecting national security, public health and the country’s economic interests.

Investigations into both seizures are ongoing as security agencies intensify efforts to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the illegal shipments.