Customs Seizes Parts of Over 140 Rifles, ₦373.8m Cannabis Cargo at Lagos Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted components of more than 140 pump-action rifles and seized cannabis-infused products valued at ₦373.8 million at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.

The seizures, announced on Thursday, August 6, 2026, by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, followed intelligence-led operations aimed at preventing prohibited arms and narcotics from entering the country through legitimate trade channels.

According to Adeniyi, the container carrying the suspected rifle components arrived at the port aboard the MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026. It was subsequently flagged by the Customs Service’s intelligence-driven risk management system for enhanced inspection.

A detailed examination of the container uncovered concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles.

The CGC said investigations into the seizure had resulted in the arrest of two suspects, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively tracked by security operatives.

₦373.8m Cannabis Products Intercepted
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying cannabis-infused products concealed alongside used vehicles, generators, batteries and other imported items.

The seized products included 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies, 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies and 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies.

Customs put the combined street value of the cannabis products at ₦373,802,640.

Adeniyi said the seizures demonstrated the increasing sophistication of transnational criminal networks seeking to exploit legitimate trade routes to smuggle prohibited weapons and narcotics into Nigeria.

He attributed the successful interceptions to the Service’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy, advanced risk-profiling systems and collaboration with other security agencies.

Customs Warns Criminals Ahead of Election Cycle
The Customs boss also warned that criminal networks could attempt to exploit Nigeria’s borders as the country enters another major election cycle.

“We are about entering a major election cycle and we know that by this period, men of the underworld will want to use our borders, our ports, our airports to bring in items like this. We are going to redouble our efforts to ensure that we do not allow them to do so.”

Adeniyi also warned against internal compromise within the Customs Service, stressing that officers found aiding the illegal importation of prohibited goods would not be protected.

“The Nigeria Customs Service will not harbour any of these people who want to serve as accomplices or use their position to influence the importation of goods that will threaten our peace and security and the peaceful conduct of the next general election.”

He urged members of the public to provide credible intelligence to security authorities to help disrupt smuggling networks and organised criminal activities.

The CGC commended officers of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance and professionalism.

He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those connected to the smuggling networks while strengthening border security and facilitating legitimate trade.