Nigeria Customs Intercepts Rifles, ₦373.8m Cannabis Products at Tin Can Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container of pump‑action rifle components and two 40‑foot containers of cannabis‑infused products worth ₦373,802,640 at the Tin Can Island Port Command.

At a press briefing, Comptroller‑General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi disclosed that officers assembled 140 double‑barrel pump‑action rifles from the seized components. He emphasized that the operation reflects Customs’ commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders against prohibited imports that threaten national security and public health.

Container No. TEMU 184536/9, which arrived aboard MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026, was flagged by Customs’ risk management system. Surveillance and physical examination uncovered concealed crates of JoJeff pump‑action rifle parts. Investigations led to the arrest of a suspect on July 31 at Migfo Bonded Terminal, with financial and telecom records linking him to the consignee. Two suspects remain in custody, while another principal suspect is at large.

In a separate operation, Customs intercepted two containers of illicit cannabis‑infused products concealed among used vehicles, generators, fabrics, batteries, and cables. The seizures included 109 cartons of Delta‑8 cannabis pre‑roll cookies (8,720 pieces, 17.44 kg) valued at ₦308,792,640, 125 cartons of Delta‑8 cannabis gummies (740 packs, 515.2 kg) valued at ₦40,700,000, and 73 cartons of cannabis cookies (442 packs, 309.4 kg) valued at ₦24,310,000.

The total street value was ₦373,802,640.

Adeniyi warned that Customs will relentlessly pursue all individuals connected to the smuggling operations. He commended the Tin Can Island Port Command and Enforcement Unit for their vigilance, and acknowledged the support of sister security agencies.

“Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for illicit weapons, narcotics, or prohibited goods,” he declared, assuring Nigerians of continued border security and urging the public to provide credible intelligence.