Customs Intercepts Pump-Action Rifle Parts, N373.8m Worth of Cannabis Products at Tin Can Port

. Arrests Two Suspects

.As Comptroller Joe Anani, Enforcement Unit Earns CGC’s Commendation Over Arms, Drug Bust

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has Intercepted a container loaded with concealed components of pump-action rifles and seized cannabis-infused products with a combined street value of N373.8 million at the Tin Can Island Port Command, describing the operations as a major breakthrough against arms trafficking and transnational organise crime.

Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi announced the seizures during a press briefing at the command on Thursday, 6 August 2026, saying the operations were intelligence-driven and reflected the Service’s commitment to preventing prohibited imports that threaten national security and public health.

According to the CGC, container No. TEMU 184536-9 arrived at Tincan Island Port aboard the vessel MV Velika on July 8, 2026, and was flagged through the Service’s intelligence-driven risk management system for enhanced monitoring.

Display of seized pump action rifles 

Acting on credible intelligence, the CGC informed that Customs officers placed the container under surveillance before conducting a detailed physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station, where they uncovered concealed crates containing knockdown components of pump-action rifles.

He said the exact number of firearms was still being determined through technical examination and inventory.

“As of the time of this briefing, 130 pieces of double-barrel pump-action rifles have been identified. Counting and assembly of the components are still ongoing, and the final figure will be made available after the inventory is completed,” Adeniyi said.

The Comptroller-General disclosed that investigations extended beyond the seizure, leading to the arrest of a key suspect on 31st July 2026, at a bonded terminal while attempting to facilitate the clearance of the 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, the Comptroller -General 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.

Seized Cartons of Cannabis-Infused Cookies

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 Joe Anani, and officers of the 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.