The pragmatic leadership of the indefatigable Area Controller of Tincan Island Customs Command, Apapa, Lagos, results in the interception of arms and cannabis consignment concealed in a container
By Innocent Chukwu
The Customs Area Controller of the Tincan Island Port Command, Lagos, has launched a crackdown on all illicit trading activities and smugglers trying to use the port to perpetrate heinous acts against the Nigerian economy. The crackdown has begun to yield positive result as the Command’s dragnet, once again, caught huge illicit items that were smuggled through the port.
In another major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling campaign, the Command last week intercepted a container loaded with concealed parts of pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused products worth ₦373.8 million at the Tincan Island Port.
Addressing newsmen during a press briefing, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, described the seizures as a significant victory against transnational criminal networks exploiting Nigeria’s seaports to smuggle prohibited weapons and dangerous narcotics into the country.
According to the CGC, the operation followed intelligence-driven surveillance after a Container identified with TEMU 184536/9, which arrived aboard MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026, was flagged by the Service’s risk management system for enhanced scrutiny.
A comprehensive physical examination conducted at the Customs Enforcement Unit of the Command revealed concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles. The recovered components, the Customs CG said, would undergo technical examination and inventory to determine their exact quantity and configuration.
Expanding the investigation led to the arrest of one suspect on July 31, 2026, at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container. Adeniyi disclosed that documentary evidence, financial records, and telecommunications analysis established links between the suspect and the named consignee, including a ₦10,000 payment traced to a company account associated with the consignee on the day of the arrest.
The Service confirmed that two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively tracked by law enforcement authorities.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two by 40-foot containers concealing cannabis-infused products among legitimate imports, including two used vehicles, two used pumping generators, rolls of blue polypropylene spunbond fabric, new tubular batteries, and thunder arrester cables.
The seizures comprised of 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies containing 8,720 pieces, (17.44kg) valued at ₦308,792,640, 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies comprising 740 packs (515.2kg) valued at ₦40,700,000, 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies containing 442 packs (309.4kg) valued at ₦24,310,000.
The total estimated street value of the illicit substances seized stood at ₦373,802,640.
The Comptroller-General noted that the interceptions highlighted the increasing sophistication of international criminal syndicates using legitimate trade channels to traffic prohibited weapons and narcotic substances. He added that the successful operations reaffirmed the effectiveness of the Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling mechanisms, and strong collaboration with sister security agencies.
Adeniyi further reaffirmed the Service’s determination to identify, apprehend, and prosecute all individuals connected to the criminal networks.
According to Adeniyi, “Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics, or other prohibited goods”.
The Customs boss commended officers and men of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication, while also appreciating the support of partner security and law enforcement agencies.
He assured Nigerians that the Service remains committed to securing the nation’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and preventing the importation of prohibited goods, urging members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support the fight against smuggling and organised transnational crime.
The Nigeria Customs Service stated that investigations are ongoing and pledged to keep the public informed as prosecutions commence.
