The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested two suspects after uncovering a shipment containing illegal firearm components and cannabis-infused products at the TinCan Island Port in Lagos, in a major operation against arms and drug smuggling.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, announced the development during a press briefing, where he outlined recent enforcement activities carried out by the TinCan Island Port Command.
According to him, customs officers intercepted a container on July 8 that concealed knock-down parts of pump-action rifles. Investigators have since assembled 140 rifles from the recovered components, while efforts are ongoing to assemble the remaining parts.
Adeniyi disclosed that one of the key suspects was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while allegedly attempting to clear the container.
Investigations involving financial and telecommunications records reportedly linked the suspect to the shipment. He added that two suspects are currently in custody, while another individual connected to the case remains at large and is being tracked by security agencies.
In a separate operation, customs officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying cannabis-infused products hidden among imported vehicles, generators, batteries and fabrics.
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The seized items included cannabis-infused cookies, gummies and other edible products with a combined estimated street value of ₦373.8 million. Officials said the products were packaged to look like ordinary snacks and came in flavours such as citrus, vanilla and peach pie, making them especially attractive to children and young people.
Adeniyi warned that the deceptive packaging could expose unsuspecting consumers to accidental cannabis consumption, posing serious health and security risks.
He commended officers of the TinCan Island Port Command for their vigilance and reaffirmed the Customs Service’s commitment to preventing the smuggling of illegal arms and dangerous drugs into the country.
The confiscated cannabis products were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The agency described the items as an emerging public safety threat and urged parents, schools and members of the public to remain alert while investigations continue.
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