The Nigeria Customs Service scored back-to-back victories against smuggling networks operating through Tincan Island Port on Thursday, intercepting a container hiding knocked-down rifle components and separately seizing cannabis-infused products worth an estimated ₦373.8 million, in what officials describe as evidence of increasingly sophisticated criminal networks exploiting Nigeria’s seaports.
Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi laid out the details of both operations during a press briefing, framing them as a significant win against transnational syndicates using legitimate trade channels to move prohibited weapons and narcotics into the country. The weapons case began with intelligence-driven surveillance, after Container No. TEMU 184536/9, which arrived aboard the MV VELIKA on July 8, was flagged by Customs’ risk management system for closer inspection. A physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station uncovered concealed crates containing components preliminarily identified as knocked-down JoJeff pump-action rifles, now undergoing technical assessment to determine their full quantity and configuration.
That discovery led investigators to a suspect arrested on July 31 at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while allegedly attempting to secure the container’s release. According to Customs, documentary evidence, financial records, and telecommunications analysis tied the suspect directly to the named consignee, including a traced ₦10,000 payment to a company account linked to the consignee on the very day of the arrest. Two suspects remain in custody assisting with the investigation, while a third principal suspect is still at large and being actively pursued.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers concealing cannabis-infused products among otherwise legitimate cargo, including used vehicles, pumping generators, polypropylene fabric, batteries, and arrester cables. The haul included 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44kg and valued at ₦308.7 million, 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2kg and valued at ₦40.7 million, and 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies weighing 309.4kg and valued at ₦24.3 million, bringing the total estimated street value of the seized substances to ₦373,802,640.
Adeniyi pointed to both operations as proof of the growing sophistication criminal networks are employing to disguise illicit cargo within legitimate trade shipments, while crediting the Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement approach, risk profiling systems, and coordination with allied security agencies for the successful interceptions. He reaffirmed the Service’s determination to pursue everyone connected to the networks involved. “Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics, or other prohibited goods,” he declared.
The Comptroller-General commended officers at the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance in both cases, while acknowledging the support of partner security and law enforcement agencies. He reiterated the Service’s broader commitment to border security and trade facilitation, encouraging the public to continue sharing credible intelligence to support ongoing efforts against smuggling and organised transnational crime. Customs confirmed that investigations in both cases remain active, with further updates expected as prosecutions move forward.
