Tin Can Port: Customs Intercepts Pump-Action Rifle Components, Confiscates ₦373.8m Cannabis Infused Products
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container conveying concealed parts of pump-action rifles and seized two 40-foot containers laden with cannabis-infused products with a combined street value of ₦373,802,640 at the Tin Can Island Port Command.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said as at the time of the briefing,140 double barrel pump-action rifles have been assembled by officers of the enforcement unit.
He said the operations underscored the Service's commitment to protecting Nigeria's borders against prohibited imports capable of threatening national security and public health.
"I present verified facts on the interception of a container conveying concealed parts of pump-action rifles, alongside the seizure of two 40-foot containers laden with cannabis-infused products concealed among imported goods. These operations underscore our unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria's borders from prohibited imports that threaten national security and public health," Adeniyi said.
According to him, Container No. TEMU 184536/9 arrived at Tin Can Island Port aboard MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026, and was flagged by the Service's intelligence-driven risk management system for enhanced monitoring.
He explained that acting on credible intelligence, Customs officers placed the container under surveillance before subjecting it to a detailed physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station.
The examination, he disclosed, uncovered concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles, which are currently undergoing detailed technical examination and inventory to determine the exact quantity and configuration recovered.
The Customs boss further revealed that investigations extended beyond the seizure, leading to the arrest of one suspect on July 31, 2026, at Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container.
According to Adeniyi, documentary evidence, financial records and telecommunications analysis established the suspect's connection with the named consignee, including a ₦10,000 payment received from a company account linked to the consignee on the day of his arrest.
He said two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively pursued.
In a separate operation, the Service intercepted two 40-foot containers conveying illicit cannabis-infused products concealed alongside two used vehicles, two used pumping generators, rolls of blue polypropylene spunbond fabric, new tubular batteries and thunder arrester cables.
The seizures comprised 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies containing 8,720 pieces weighing 17.44 kilograms and valued at ₦308,792,640; 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies comprising 740 packs weighing 515.2 kilograms valued at ₦40,700,000; and 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies containing 442 packs weighing 309.4 kilograms valued at ₦24,310,000.
The total street value of the illicit substances seized was put at ₦373,802,640.
Adeniyi said the seizures reflected the increasing sophistication of transnational criminal networks using legitimate trade channels to smuggle prohibited items into the country.
"These interceptions demonstrate the growing sophistication of transnational criminal networks that exploit legitimate trade channels to traffic illicit weapons and dangerous narcotic products."
"They also reaffirm the effectiveness of the Nigeria Customs Service's intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling systems, and strong inter-agency collaboration," he said.
The Comptroller-General warned that the Service would relentlessly pursue everyone connected with the criminal operations.
"Let me state unequivocally that the Nigeria Customs Service will stop at nothing to identify, track, arrest, and prosecute every individual connected to these criminal enterprises. Nigeria's ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics, or other prohibited goods," he stated.
He commended the CAC, Comptroller Joe Anani, officers of the Tin Can Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance and professionalism, while also acknowledging the support of other security and law enforcement agencies.
"I commend the officers and men of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication, which made these significant seizures possible. I also appreciate the continued support of our sister security and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding our nation," Adeniyi said.
Reassuring Nigerians of the Service's resolve, he said Customs would continue to secure the nation's borders, facilitate legitimate trade and prevent the importation of prohibited goods.
"Finally, I assure Nigerians that the Service remains resolute in securing our borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and preventing the importation of prohibited and dangerous goods. We encourage members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support our efforts against smuggling and transnational organised crime.
"We will continue to keep the public informed as investigations progress and prosecutions commence," he added.
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