Customs Foils Major Arms Plot, Arrests Two Suspects in Lagos
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container concealing components of more than 140 pump-action rifles and seized cannabis-infused products valued at over ₦373.8 million at the Tincan Island Port Command, Lagos.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing at the port on Thursday, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the seizures underscore the Service's determination to prevent the influx of illicit weapons and narcotics into the country.
According to him, the container carrying the firearm components arrived aboard MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026, and was flagged by the Service's intelligence-driven risk management system for enhanced scrutiny.
"Acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, our officers subjected the container to detailed examination, which led to the discovery of concealed crates containing knocked-down components of what have been preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles," Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss disclosed that investigations had already resulted in the arrest of two suspects, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend another principal suspect believed to be linked to the illegal importation.
"We have made significant progress in our investigations. Two suspects are currently in custody, while another key suspect remains at large. We are working closely with relevant security agencies to ensure that everyone connected with this criminal network is brought to justice," he stated.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers laden with cannabis-infused products concealed among used vehicles, generators, batteries and other imported goods.
The seizures included 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies, 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies and 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies, with a combined street value estimated at ₦373,802,640.
Adeniyi described the seizures as evidence of the growing sophistication of transnational criminal organisations seeking to exploit legitimate trade channels for illegal activities.
"These interceptions clearly demonstrate the evolving tactics of transnational criminal networks that attempt to use legitimate trade routes to bring prohibited items into our country. However, our intelligence-driven enforcement strategy and advanced risk management systems continue to expose and disrupt their operations," he said.
The Comptroller-General warned that criminal elements often intensify smuggling activities during election periods and assured Nigerians that Customs would heighten surveillance across the nation's ports, airports and land borders.
"We are about entering a major election cycle and we know that by this period, men of the underworld will want to use our borders, our ports and our airports to bring in items like this. We are going to redouble our efforts to ensure that we do not allow them to do so," he said.
Adeniyi further stressed that the Service would not tolerate any compromise from its personnel or stakeholders who aid criminal activities.
"The Nigeria Customs Service will not harbour any of these people who want to serve as accomplices or use their position to influence the importation of goods that will threaten our peace and security and the peaceful conduct of the next general election," he declared.
He appealed to members of the public to support Customs operations by providing useful information that could assist in tackling smuggling and organised crime.
"We urge patriotic Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies. The fight against smuggling and illegal arms trafficking is a collective responsibility," Adeniyi added.
The CGC commended officers of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance and professionalism.
"I must commend our officers for their dedication, vigilance and commitment to duty. Their professionalism made these interceptions possible and reinforces our resolve to protect Nigeria's borders while facilitating legitimate trade," he said.
He reaffirmed that the Service would continue to identify, arrest and prosecute all individuals involved in arms smuggling, drug trafficking and other activities capable of undermining national security.
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