Customs Intercepts Concealed Rifle Parts at Tin Can Port, Launches Manhunt for Suspect

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container carrying concealed parts of pump-action rifles at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, dealing another blow to suspected arms-smuggling networks. Customs also seized cannabis-infused products with an estimated street value of ₦373.8 million, while one principal suspect remains on the run.

Speaking during a press briefing, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi said the operation followed intelligence-driven surveillance after a container that arrived aboard MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026, was flagged for detailed inspection. Officers later discovered concealed crates containing knocked-down components believed to be JoJeff pump-action rifles, which are undergoing technical examination to determine their exact quantity and configuration.

Customs said the investigation led to the arrest of one suspect on July 31 at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while he allegedly attempted to facilitate the release of the shipment. According to the agency, documentary evidence, financial records and telecommunications analysis linked the suspect to the named consignee, while two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators. Authorities added that another principal suspect is still being actively tracked.

In a separate operation, officers intercepted two 40-foot containers concealing cannabis-infused cookies, gummies and other prohibited products among legitimate imports, including used vehicles and industrial materials. Adeniyi described the seizures as a major success in the fight against transnational criminal networks exploiting Nigeria’s ports to smuggle prohibited weapons and narcotics into the country.