Suspect on the Run as Customs Uncovers Concealed Weapons, Cannabis-Infused Products
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container containing concealed parts of pump-action rifles and seized cannabis-infused products with an estimated street value of ₦373.8 million at the Tin Can Island Port Command, in another major breakthrough in the Service’s anti-smuggling campaign.
The operation also led to the arrest of two suspects, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively tracked by law enforcement authorities.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Thursday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the seizures as a significant victory against transnational criminal networks allegedly exploiting Nigeria’s seaports to smuggle prohibited weapons and narcotic substances into the country.
According to Adeniyi, the weapons interception followed intelligence-driven surveillance 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 enhanced scrutiny.
A comprehensive physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station uncovered concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles.
The recovered components are undergoing technical examination and inventory to establish their exact quantity and configuration.
Further investigation led to the arrest of one suspect on July 31, 2026, at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while allegedly attempting to facilitate the release of the container.
Customs said documentary evidence, financial records and telecommunications analysis established links between the suspect and the named consignee. The investigation also traced a ₦10,000 payment to a company account associated with the consignee on the day of the arrest.
The Service confirmed that two suspects are currently in custody and assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers allegedly concealing cannabis-infused products among legitimate imports, including two used vehicles, two used pumping generators, rolls of blue polypropylene spunbond fabric, new tubular batteries and thunder arrester cables.
The seized cannabis-infused products comprised 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies containing 8,720 pieces, weighing 17.44kg and valued at ₦308.7 million.
Also intercepted were 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies comprising 740 packs, weighing 515.2kg and valued at ₦40.7 million, as well as 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies containing 442 packs, weighing 309.4kg and valued at ₦24.3 million.
The total estimated street value of the illicit substances seized was put at ₦373,802,640.
The Comptroller-General said the interceptions underscored the increasing sophistication of international criminal syndicates allegedly using legitimate trade channels to traffic prohibited weapons and narcotic substances.
He attributed the breakthrough to the effectiveness of the Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk-profiling mechanisms and collaboration with sister security agencies.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the determination of the Nigeria Customs Service to identify, apprehend and prosecute all individuals connected to the criminal networks.
“Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics, or other prohibited goods,” the Comptroller-General declared.
He commended officers and men of the Tin Can Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance, professionalism and dedication, while appreciating the support of partner security and law enforcement agencies.
Adeniyi assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to secure the nation’s borders, facilitate legitimate trade and prevent the importation of prohibited goods.
He also urged members of the public to provide credible intelligence to support the fight against smuggling and organised transnational crime.
The Nigeria Customs Service said investigations are ongoing and pledged to keep the public informed as the process progresses towards prosecution.
