BREAKING: Nigeria Customs Uncovers 140 Pump-Action Rifles, Seizes ₦373.8 Million Cannabis-Infused Gummies and Cookies at Tin Can Port

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major breakthrough in its crackdown on transnational smuggling networks after intercepting components used to assemble 140 pump-action rifles and seizing cannabis-infused edible products valued at ₦373.8 million at the Tin Can Island Port Command in Lagos.

The seizures were officially presented to journalists on Thursday, August 6, 2026, by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who described the operation as a significant victory in the fight against the illegal importation of firearms and narcotics into Nigeria.

According to Adeniyi, the first seizure involved a 20-foot container (TEMU 184536/9) that arrived at Tin Can Island Port on July 8, 2026, aboard the vessel MV VELIKA. The container was identified as suspicious by the Service’s intelligence-driven risk management system and subjected to an intensive physical examination.

During the inspection, Customs officers discovered wooden crates concealing knocked-down components of JoJeff double-barrel pump-action rifles. Following careful examination and assembly, officers successfully reconstructed 140 pump-action rifles, while the inventory and assessment of the remaining firearm components are still ongoing.

The Comptroller-General disclosed that one suspect was arrested on July 31, 2026, at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to clear the shipment. He added that two additional suspects are currently in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service and are assisting investigators, while another key suspect connected to the illegal importation remains at large.

In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying large quantities of cannabis-infused edible products that had been carefully concealed among legitimate imports, including used vehicles, pumping generators, fabrics, batteries and electrical cables in what officials described as an attempt to evade detection.

The intercepted narcotics included 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies, containing 8,720 individual pieces weighing 17.44 kilograms with an estimated street value of ₦308.7 million.

Officers also recovered 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies, comprising 740 packs weighing 515.2 kilograms, valued at approximately ₦40.7 million.

In addition, the Service seized 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies, containing 442 packs with a total weight of 309.4 kilograms, estimated to be worth ₦24.3 million.

Altogether, the confiscated cannabis-infused products have a combined estimated street value of ₦373.8 million.

Adeniyi announced that the illicit drugs have been formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing laws.

He commended officers of the Tin Can Island Port Command and the Customs enforcement unit for their vigilance, professionalism and intelligence-led approach, noting that their efforts prevented dangerous weapons and prohibited drugs from finding their way into Nigerian communities.

The Comptroller-General reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthening surveillance and intelligence gathering at the nation’s ports, warning that criminal syndicates involved in arms trafficking, drug smuggling and other forms of organised crime would continue to face intensified enforcement.

“Our ports will never become safe havens for the importation of illicit weapons, narcotics or other prohibited items. The Nigeria Customs Service remains fully committed to protecting national security and supporting law enforcement efforts against organised crime,” he said.

He also appealed to members of the public, freight forwarders, port operators and other stakeholders to continue providing timely and credible intelligence capable of assisting security agencies in identifying and dismantling criminal networks.

Adeniyi stressed that sustained collaboration among government agencies and citizens remains essential to protecting Nigeria’s borders, safeguarding public health and preserving national security.

Investigations into both seizures are ongoing as authorities intensify efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and uncover the wider criminal syndicates behind the attempted importation of the illegal firearms and cannabis products.