NCS Intercepts 20ft Container Pump-Action Rifles, Seizes #373.8m Worth of Cannabis Substances

By Stella Okocha 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has Intercepts and confiscated a 20-foot container concealed with parts of pump-action rifles at the Tincan Island Port Command.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday at the TinCan island Command while displaying the seizures, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, said as at press time, 140 double barrel pump-action rifles have been assembled by officers of the enforcement unit.

Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

According to the CGC, he said he is presenting verified facts on the interception of a container conveying concealed parts of pump-action rifles, alongside the seizure of two 40-foot containers laden with cannabis-infused products concealed among imported goods.

“On 8 July 2026, Container No. TEMU 184536/9 arrived at Tincan Island Port aboard MV VELIKA and was flagged through our intelligence-driven risk management system for enhanced monitoring. Acting on credible intelligence, officers placed the container under surveillance and subsequently subjected it to a detailed physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station.

“The examination uncovered concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles, which are currently undergoing detailed technical examination and inventory to determine the exact quantity and configuration recovered.

“We are currently undertaking detailed examination and inventory of the number to determine the exact quantity and the configuration recovered. As at the time of putting down these reports, 140 pieces of double-barrel JoJef action rifle have been discovered. The counting is still in progress, ” he said.

The CGC went further to state that Investigations extended beyond the seizure, and on the 31 July 2026, one suspect was arrested at Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container.

According to CGC Adewale, “Documentary evidence, financial records, and telecommunications analysis established his connection with the named consignee, including a ₦10,000 payment received from a company account linked to the consignee on the day of his arrest. Two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively pursued”.

Speaking on the other seizures, the CGC affirmed that officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers conveying illicit cannabis-infused products concealed alongside two used vehicles, two used pumping generators, rolls of blue polypropylene spunbond fabric, new tubular batteries, and thunder arrester cables.

He explained that the seizures include: 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies (8,720 pieces; 17.44kg) valued at ₦308,792,640. 125. Cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies (740 packs; 515.2kg) valued at ₦40,700,000. 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies (442 packs; 309.4kg) valued at ₦24,310,000. The combined street value of all illicit substances seized is ₦373,802,640.

Adewale said these interceptions demonstrate the growing sophistication of transnational criminal networks that exploit legitimate trade channels to traffic illicit weapons and dangerous narcotic products.

He said these operations underscore our unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders from prohibited imports that threaten national security and public health; and also reaffirms the effectiveness of the Nigeria Customs Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling systems, and strong inter-agency collaboration.

NCS boss also unequivocally and sternly warned that the Nigeria Customs Service will stop at nothing to identify, track, arrest, and prosecute every individual connected to these criminal enterprises. Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics, or other prohibited goods.

“This is a very delicate period for Nigeria. We are about entering a major election cycle and we know that at this period, men of the underworld will want to use our borders, our ports, our airports to bring in items like this.

“All hands will be on deck and this is why we invite Nigerians to join us. When you have any information on intelligence that could lead us to these criminal people, do not hesitate to contact us.

“We are going to redouble our efforts to ensure that we do not allow them to do so. While they make attempts, they will want to find accomplices within the Customs and other security agencies. I want to assure Nigerians that Nigeria Customs Service will not have any of these people who will want to serve as accomplices or use their position to influence the importation of goods that will threaten our peace and security and threaten the credibility and peaceful conduct of the next general election.

The CGC also commended the officers and men of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication, which made these significant seizures possible. He also appreciate the continued support of sister security and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding our nation.

He reassured Nigerians that the Service remains resolute in securing our borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and preventing the importation of prohibited and dangerous goods. He added that he will continue to keep the public informed as investigations progress and prosecutions commence.

“We encourage members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support our efforts against smuggling and transnational organised crime”, he concluded.