140 rifles, N373.8m cannabis snacks seized at Lagos port

In a major enforcement operation, Nigerian authorities have intercepted a large shipment of disassembled firearms and a separate cache of cannabis-infused food products at the TinCan Island Port in Lagos. The seizures, announced by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, on August 6, 2026, highlight ongoing efforts to combat sophisticated smuggling networks exploiting the country's ports.

Customs officials first flagged a suspicious container, which arrived aboard the MV Velika on July 8, 2026, through an intelligence-driven risk management system. A physical examination revealed concealed crates containing knockdown components for pump-action rifles. To date, 140 rifles have been assembled from the recovered parts, with assembly of remaining components still ongoing. The investigation led to the arrest of one principal suspect on July 31 at a bonded terminal as he attempted to facilitate the container's release. Financial and telecommunications records have linked the suspect to the shipment.

Authorities confirmed that two suspects are currently in custody assisting with the investigation, while another principal suspect remains at large and is...