CUSTOMS ARRESTS TWO AS PUMP-ACTION RIFLE PARTS ARE INTERCEPTED
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded another major success in its anti-smuggling operations with the interception of a container carrying concealed parts of pump-action rifles and the seizure of cannabis-infused products worth ₦373.8 million at the Tincan Island Port Command.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the seizures as a significant blow to transnational criminal networks using Nigeria’s seaports to smuggle prohibited firearms and illicit drugs into the country.
Adeniyi said the breakthrough followed intelligence-led 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 detailed inspection.
According to him, a thorough physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station uncovered concealed crates containing knocked-down components suspected to be JoJeff pump-action rifles. He added that the recovered parts are currently undergoing technical examination and inventory to determine their exact quantity and configuration.
The Comptroller-General disclosed that further investigation led to the arrest of a suspect on July 31, 2026, at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to clear the container.
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He said documentary evidence, financial records and telecommunications analysis established links between the suspect and the named consignee, including a ₦10,000 payment traced to a company account associated with the consignee on the day of the arrest.
Adeniyi revealed that two suspects are currently in custody assisting with investigations, while another key suspect remains at large and is being actively tracked by law enforcement agencies.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers loaded with cannabis-infused products concealed 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 items included 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies containing 8,720 pieces (17.44kg) valued at ₦308.7 million, 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies comprising 740 packs (515.2kg) worth ₦40.7 million, and 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies containing 442 packs (309.4kg) valued at ₦24.3 million.
The total estimated street value of the seized narcotics stands at ₦373,802,640.
The Customs boss said the interceptions underscore the growing sophistication of international criminal syndicates exploiting legitimate trade channels to traffic prohibited weapons and illicit drugs.
He attributed the successful operations to the Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling systems and effective collaboration with other security agencies.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s resolve to identify, arrest and prosecute everyone linked to the criminal networks.
“Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics or other prohibited goods,” he declared.
He also commended officers and personnel of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their professionalism, vigilance and dedication, while appreciating the support of partner security and law enforcement agencies.
The Comptroller-General assured Nigerians that the Service remains committed to securing the nation’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade and preventing the importation of prohibited items.
He urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support the fight against smuggling and organised transnational crime, adding that investigations are ongoing and the public will be updated as prosecutions commence.
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