…Two suspects arrested, principal suspect on the run
By Godwin Oritse
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday recorded another breakthrough in its anti-smuggling campaign with the interception of a container containing concealed parts of pump-action rifles and the seizure of illicit cannabis-infused products valued at ₦373.8 million at the Tincan Island Port Command.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing this evening, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the seizures as a significant victory against transnational criminal networks exploiting Nigeria’s seaports to smuggle prohibited weapons and dangerous narcotics into the country.
According to Adeniyi, the operation followed intelligence-driven 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 enhanced scrutiny.
A comprehensive physical examination conducted at the Customs Enforcement Station revealed concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles. The recovered components are currently undergoing technical examination and inventory to determine their exact quantity and configuration.
Expanding the investigation led to the arrest of one suspect on July 31, 2026, at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container. Customs disclosed that 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.
The Service confirmed that two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively tracked by law enforcement authorities.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers concealing cannabis-infused products 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 seizures comprised: • 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies containing 8,720 pieces (17.44kg) valued at ₦308.7million, 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies comprising 740 packs (515.2kg) valued at ₦ 40.7 million, 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies containing 442 packs (309.4kg) valued at ₦24.3 million. The total estimated street value of the illicit substances seized stands at ₦373,802,640.
The Comptroller-General noted that the interceptions highlight the increasing sophistication of international criminal syndicates using legitimate trade channels to traffic prohibited weapons and narcotic substances.
He added that the successful operations reaffirm the effectiveness of the Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling mechanisms, and strong collaboration with sister security agencies.
He reaffirmed the Service’s determination to identify, apprehend, and prosecute all individuals connected to the criminal networks.
“Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics, or other prohibited goods,” the Comptroller-General declared.
The Customs boss commended officers and men of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication, while also appreciating the support of partner security and law enforcement agencies.
He assured Nigerians that the Service remains committed to securing the nation’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and preventing the importation of prohibited goods, urging members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support the fight against smuggling and organised transnational crime.
The Nigeria Customs Service stated that investigations are ongoing and pledged to keep the public informed as prosecutions commence.
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