The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container containing components of more than 140 pump-action rifles and seized cannabis-infused products valued at ₦373.8 million at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The seizures were made during separate operations as part of the Service’s intelligence-led efforts to prevent the movement of illicit goods and weapons into the country.

According to a statement by the NCS Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the suspected rifle components, preliminarily identified as Jojeff pump-action rifles, were discovered after the container was flagged through the Service’s intelligence-driven risk management system.

The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, while another suspect is reportedly still at large.

In a separate interception, Customs officers seized 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies, 125 cartons of gummies and 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies concealed among other imported goods.

Customs warns against election-related security threats

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the interception of the firearms as a major security breakthrough and warned that criminal networks could exploit Nigeria’s borders, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle.

Adeniyi said the NCS would intensify surveillance and enforcement operations at the nation’s borders while also addressing cases of internal complicity that could facilitate smuggling.

He urged Nigerians to provide credible information to security agencies to help prevent the movement of arms, narcotics and other prohibited items across the country’s borders.

The Customs Service said it would continue to collaborate with sister security agencies to strengthen border security and protect national interests.