The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container filled with concealed pump-action rifle components and cannabis-infused products at the Tincan Island Port Command , representing a major breakthrough against arms trafficking and transnational organized crime. Valued at N373.8 million, this seizure marks a significant, intelligence-driven operation aimed at stopping prohibited items from entering local markets.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced the bust during a press briefing on Thursday, 6 August 2026, highlighting the efficacy of modern border surveillance in preventing the influx of illicit goods. He reiterated the Service’s commitment to protecting national security and public health by keeping dangerous items out of circulation.

The successful interception underscores the ongoing efforts of the NCS to disrupt criminal networks and secure the nation’s borders against smuggling activities. This action reinforces the agency’s resolve to maintain safety and security through proactive intelligence and vigilance.

The targeted container, registered as No. TEMU 184536-9, arrived at the Tincan Island Port aboard the vessel MV Velika on July 8, 2026. The shipment was immediately flagged for enhanced monitoring by the Nigeria Customs Service’s risk management system. Acting on credible intelligence, vigilant Customs officers placed the container under strict surveillance to prevent any unauthorized movement.

A subsequent physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station uncovered concealed crates containing knockdown components of pump-action rifles. The Comptroller-General stated that a technical examination and inventory are currently underway to determine the exact number of firearms hidden inside.

The investigation extended beyond the initial discovery, leading to a major breakthrough with the arrest of a key suspect on July 31, 2026. The individual was apprehended at a bonded terminal while actively attempting to facilitate the clearance of the illegal container.

He said documentary evidence, financial records and telecommunication analysis established the suspect’s connection to the consignee listed on the shipping documents.

Among the evidence recovered, he said, was proof of a N10,000 payment received from a company account directly linked to the consignee.

According to Adeniyi, two suspects are currently in Customs custody and assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively tracked.

In a separate operation, officers intercepted two 45-foot containers carrying cannabis-infused products concealed alongside two used vehicles, two used pumping generators, rolls of blue fabric, nuclear batteries and thunder arrester cables.

The seizures included 8,720 pieces of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-rolled products weighing 17.44 kilograms and valued at N308.79 million; 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis gummies comprising 740 packs weighing 515.2 kilograms and valued at N40.7 million; and 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies containing 442 packs weighing 309.4 kilograms and valued at N24.31 million.

The combined street value of the illicit substances was estimated at N373.8 million.

Adeniyi said the seizures highlighted the increasing sophistication of transnational criminal networks exploiting legitimate trade channels to smuggle weapons and narcotics into the country.

He said the operations also demonstrated the effectiveness of the Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk-profiling system and collaboration with other security agencies.

“The Nigeria Customs Service will stop at nothing to identify, track, arrest and prosecute every individual connected with these criminal enterprises. Our ports will never become safe havens for the importation of illicit weapons, narcotics or other prohibited goods,” he said.

The Customs boss commended the Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and officers of the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance and professionalism. He also acknowledged the support of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other security agencies involved in the operations.

Adeniyi revealed that before travelling to Lagos, he met with the National Security Adviser, who assured the Service of the support needed to identify those behind the importation, establish their motives and ensure successful prosecution.

Describing the development as particularly concerning ahead of the country’s next election cycle, Adeniyi warned that criminal elements could attempt to use Nigeria’s seaports, airports and land borders to import weapons capable of undermining national security and peaceful elections.

He also warned that the Service would not tolerate any Customs officer or security operative found collaborating with criminal networks.

“We know that criminal elements may seek accomplices within Customs and other security agencies. The Nigeria Customs Service will not tolerate anyone who uses his or her position to facilitate the importation of goods capable of threatening the nation’s peace, security or the credibility of the next general election,” he said.

He appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support Customs’ anti-smuggling operations, adding that the Service would keep Nigerians informed as investigations progress and prosecutions commence.