The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 140 pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused food products with a combined value of N373.8 million at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.
The seizures were made during separate enforcement operations at the port, according to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
Adeniyi disclosed this on Thursday at a news conference while giving an account of major operations carried out by the Tin Can Island Port Command.
He said customs officers intercepted a container on July 8 containing concealed knock-down components of pump-action rifles.
Knock-down components are firearm parts that are imported separately and can later be assembled into complete weapons.
Adeniyi said 140 rifles had so far been assembled from the recovered components, while officers were still working to assemble the remaining parts.
The discovery has raised concerns over attempts by criminal groups to move firearms into the country through the nation’s ports.
According to the Customs boss, one principal suspect was arrested on July 31 at a bonded terminal while allegedly attempting to facilitate the release of the container.
He said financial and telecommunications evidence gathered during the investigation linked the suspect to the shipment.
A bonded terminal is a facility where imported goods can be kept under customs control before they are cleared and released in line with relevant procedures.
Adeniyi said two suspects were currently in custody and assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remained at large.
He said security operatives were tracking the fleeing suspect as investigations continued.
The Customs chief said the seizure demonstrated the importance of intelligence gathering and close monitoring of cargo entering the country.
He stressed that the service would continue to work with other security agencies to prevent the movement of illegal weapons and other prohibited items through Nigeria’s ports.
In a separate operation, customs officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers containing cannabis-infused products concealed among other imported goods.
The products were allegedly hidden alongside items including vehicles, generators, batteries and fabrics.
Adeniyi said the seized items included 8,720 pieces of Delta-8 cannabis pre-roll cookies weighing 17.44 kilogrammes and valued at N308.7 million.
The officers also recovered 740 packs of cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2kg and valued at N40.7 million.
Another 873 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies, contained in 442 packs, were also seized. The products weighed 309.4kg and were valued at N24.3 million.
The total street value of the seized cannabis products was put at N373.8 million.
Adeniyi expressed concern over the way the products were packaged, saying they were made to look like ordinary snacks.
He said some of the products came in attractive flavours such as citrus, vanilla, pine and peach pie.
According to him, such packaging could make it difficult for unsuspecting members of the public to know that the products contain cannabis.
He warned that the products could be particularly dangerous if they found their way into the hands of children, students and other young people.
The Customs boss said unsuspecting consumers could eat the products without knowing that they contained cannabis.
He commended the Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and officers of the enforcement unit for their vigilance and professionalism.
Adeniyi also reaffirmed the commitment of the Customs Service to protecting Nigeria’s borders and preventing the importation of illicit firearms, dangerous drugs and other prohibited items.
He said those found to be involved in the importation and distribution of the seized items would face prosecution in line with the law.
The Customs chief also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for its cooperation with the service during the operations.
He urged members of the public to provide credible information that could help security agencies detect and stop smuggling activities.
Receiving the seized cannabis products, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Augustine Adewunmi, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies and smoothies as an emerging threat to public safety.
Adewunmi said the products were imported from the United States and packaged as vegan snacks.
He said the packaging and flavours were designed to make the products appear harmless and attract unsuspecting consumers.
The NDLEA commander expressed concern that the products could appeal to children, students and young people who may consume them without knowing that they contain cannabis.
He warned parents, schools and members of the public to be more careful and vigilant.
According to him, consuming cannabis-infused products could deliver concentrated cannabis directly into the body.
He said this made the products particularly concerning because users might not immediately realise the effect of what they had consumed.
Adewunmi disclosed that two suspects were in custody while investigations continued into the importation and intended distribution of the products.
The seizures come amid continued efforts by Nigerian security agencies to stop the movement of illicit drugs and firearms through the country’s borders.
Nigeria’s ports, airports and land borders remain key entry points for legitimate international trade, but they are also targeted by smugglers seeking to bring prohibited goods into the country.
Customs authorities have therefore continued to increase cargo inspection, intelligence gathering and cooperation with other security agencies.
The discovery of the firearms is particularly significant because illegal weapons can be diverted to criminal groups involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and other violent crimes.
The movement of illegal firearms has remained a major security concern in Nigeria, with authorities repeatedly warning against the trafficking of weapons into the country.
The cannabis seizures also highlight concerns about the changing nature of illegal drug trafficking.
Rather than relying only on traditional forms of cannabis, traffickers are increasingly moving cannabis-infused foods and other products that can be difficult to identify because they resemble ordinary consumer goods.
The attractive packaging of such products presents an additional challenge to law enforcement and parents, especially when the products are made to look like sweets, cookies or other snacks.
Authorities are therefore expected to increase surveillance of imported food products and other goods that may be used to conceal illicit substances.
Adeniyi said the Customs Service would continue to work with the NDLEA and other security agencies to strengthen enforcement at the ports.
He said the latest seizures demonstrated the importance of cooperation and intelligence sharing in tackling smuggling.
While two suspects have been arrested in connection with the cannabis shipment and two others are being held in relation to the arms case, investigations are continuing.
The Customs Service said another principal suspect linked to the firearm shipment remained at large and was being tracked.
The authorities are expected to investigate the source of the weapons and drugs, the intended recipients and the possible networks behind the shipments.
They are also expected to determine whether other individuals or companies were involved in attempting to clear or distribute the seized items.
The Customs Service and NDLEA urged Nigerians to remain alert and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
They stressed that public cooperation would remain important in preventing illicit arms and drugs from entering communities.