The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a significant cache of pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products at the TinCan Island Port in Lagos, according to Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi. The announcement came during a press conference on Thursday, where Adeniyi detailed the operations that led to the seizure of 140 rifles and drugs with a combined street value of N373.8 million.
Rifle Components Concealed in Container
Customs operatives acting on intelligence intercepted a container on 8 July that contained concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles. Adeniyi stated that 140 rifles have so far been assembled from the recovered parts, with assembly of the remaining components still ongoing. The discovery was part of a broader enforcement effort by the TinCan Island Port Command.
One principal suspect was arrested on 31 July at a bonded terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container. Financial and telecommunications evidence linked the suspect to the shipment, according to Adeniyi. Two suspects are currently in custody assisting with investigations, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being tracked by security operatives.
Cannabis-Infused Products Seized
In a separate operation, customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers laden with cannabis-infused products concealed among imported goods, including vehicles, generators, batteries, and fabrics. The seized drugs comprised 8,720 pieces of Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44 kilogrammes and valued at N308.7 million. Additionally, 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2kg and valued at N40.7 million were recovered, along with 873 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies in 442 packs weighing 309.4kg and valued at N24.3 million.
Adeniyi noted that the products were attractively packaged with flavours such as citrus, vanilla, pine, and peach pie to resemble ordinary snacks, making them appealing to children, students, and young people. He warned that unsuspecting consumers could unknowingly ingest these products due to their deceptive packaging, posing serious threats to national security and public health.
Official Response and Collaboration
The customs boss commended the Area Controller of TinCan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and officers of the enforcement unit for their vigilance and professionalism. He reaffirmed the service's commitment to securing Nigeria's borders and prosecuting those involved in trafficking illicit arms and dangerous drugs. Adeniyi also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its collaboration and urged Nigerians to provide credible intelligence to support anti-smuggling operations.
Receiving the seized items, NDLEA Commander Augustine Adewunmi, of the TinCan Strategic Command, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies, and smoothies as an emerging threat to public safety. He explained that the products, imported from the United States, were packaged as vegan snacks with flavours like citrus, vanilla, and peach to deceive consumers. Adewunmi warned that the products were designed to appeal to children, students, and club users, increasing the risk of accidental drug consumption. He urged parents, schools, and the public to remain vigilant, noting that ingesting these products delivers concentrated cannabis directly into the body.
Wider Implications for Border Security
The seizures highlight ongoing challenges in Nigeria's fight against smuggling and drug trafficking. The NCS's actions demonstrate increased vigilance at ports, but the scale of the interception underscores the need for continued intelligence-sharing and public cooperation. With two suspects in custody and investigations ongoing, authorities are working to dismantle the networks behind these illegal shipments.
This operation follows recent successes by the NCS, including a Commonwealth Gold Award for its 'Customs Cares' CSR initiative, showcasing the service's dual role in enforcement and community engagement. As the festive season approaches, the NCS and NDLEA are intensifying efforts to curb the influx of dangerous goods, urging citizens to report suspicious activities.
