From The Nijasun News Desk
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container that concealed components of pump-action rifles at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, in another major breakthrough against smuggling.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the seizure during a briefing with journalists, saying the operation was driven by intelligence and the Service’s risk-management system.
According to him, Container No. TEMU 184536/9, which arrived aboard the vessel MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026, was flagged for enhanced scrutiny.
A subsequent physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station uncovered crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles.
Customs said the recovered components are undergoing technical examination and inventory to establish their exact quantity and configuration.
The investigation reportedly led to the arrest of a suspect on July 31 at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while allegedly attempting to facilitate the release of the container.
According to Adeniyi, documentary evidence, financial records and telecommunications analysis linked the suspect to the named consignee.
He added that investigators traced a ₦10,000 payment to a company account associated with the consignee on the day of the arrest.
The Customs chief described the interception as a significant victory against transnational criminal networks allegedly exploiting Nigeria’s seaports to move prohibited items into the country.
Customs also disclosed the seizure of illicit cannabis-infused products in the same operation, with the combined value of the seized items put at ₦373.8 million.
The Service said investigations are ongoing and that further details would be made public as the investigation progresses and prosecutions commence.
Source: Vanguard News report
vanguardngr.com
