The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned criminal networks against exploiting Nigeria’s ports and borders to smuggle weapons and narcotics ahead of the country’s next general election, following the interception of arms components and cannabis-infused products at the Tincan Island Port, Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, issued the warning on Thursday, August 6, 2026, while announcing the seizure of parts of more than 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused products valued at over ₦373.8 million.
Adeniyi said the seizures demonstrated the growing sophistication of transnational criminal networks attempting to exploit legitimate trade channels to move prohibited weapons and narcotics into Nigeria.
According to him, the container carrying the arms components arrived aboard MV VELIKA on July 8 and was flagged for enhanced monitoring through the Service’s intelligence-driven risk management system.
A subsequent examination uncovered concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles.
The CGC disclosed that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the arms seizure, while another principal suspect remained at large and was being actively tracked.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying cannabis-infused cookies, gummies and pre-roll products concealed alongside used vehicles, generators, batteries and other imported goods.
The seized narcotics comprised 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 of ₦373,802,640.
Adeniyi warned that criminal elements could attempt to take advantage of the election period to move dangerous items through the country’s ports, airports and borders.
He said the Service would intensify surveillance and enforcement operations to prevent such attempts, stressing that Customs would not tolerate activities capable of threatening national security or disrupting the peaceful conduct of elections.
The CGC also warned officers against compromising their duties, saying the Service would not protect personnel who assist criminals in importing goods capable of threatening the country’s peace and security.
He urged members of the public to provide credible intelligence to security agencies to support efforts against smuggling and organised crime.
Adeniyi commended officers of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders while facilitating legitimate trade.
