By Uloma Peace Okorie
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, has strengthened its intelligence-driven operations with the interception of components of over 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused products valued at ₦373.8 million at the Tincan Island Port, Lagos.
The arms components were discovered in a container that arrived aboard MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026, after it was flagged through the Service’s risk-management system for enhanced inspection.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being tracked.
In a separate operation, Customs officers seized two 40-foot containers containing Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies, gummies and pre-roll products concealed among imported vehicles, generators and other goods.
Adeniyi warned that criminal networks might attempt to exploit Nigeria’s forthcoming election season to smuggle weapons and other prohibited items through the country’s borders.
He assured Nigerians that the Service would intensify surveillance and enforcement while taking firm action against both external smugglers and personnel who compromise national security.
The Customs boss commended the officers for their vigilance, stressing that the latest seizures demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence, risk profiling and collaboration with sister security agencies in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.