Customs Intercepts 140 Pump-Action Rifles, Cannabis-Infused Products Worth ₦373.8 Million at Tin Can Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded another major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling campaign with the interception of a container carrying concealed parts of pump-action rifles and the seizure of illicit cannabis-infused products valued at ₦373.8 million at the Tincan Island Port Command. Two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while the principal importer of the firearms remains at large and is being actively tracked by security agencies. Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Thursday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the seizures as a significant victory against transnational criminal networks exploiting Nigeria’s seaports to smuggle prohibited weapons and dangerous narcotics into the country. He warned that the intercepted items pose serious threats to national security and public health, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to preventing Nigeria’s ports from becoming safe havens for illicit trade.

According to Adeniyi, the operation followed intelligence-driven surveillance after Container No. TEMU 184536/9, which arrived aboard MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026, was flagged by the Service’s risk management system for enhanced scrutiny. Acting on credible intelligence, officers of the command placed the container under surveillance and subjected it to a detailed physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station. A comprehensive physical examination uncovered concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles. As of the time of the briefing, Customs officials had reassembled 140 double-barrel pump-action rifles from the recovered parts, with counting and assembly of remaining components still ongoing. The recovered components are currently undergoing detailed technical examination and inventory to determine their exact quantity and configuration, which will inform the full charges to be filed against the suspects.

Investigations following the interception led to the arrest of a key suspect on July 31, 2026, at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while the individual was allegedly attempting to facilitate the release of the container. Customs disclosed that documentary evidence, financial records, and telecommunications analysis established links between the suspect and the named consignee on the shipping documents. Among the evidence cited was a ₦10,000 payment traced to a company account directly linked to the consignee of the container on the day of the arrest, providing a crucial forensic link between the suspect and the illegal shipment. The Service confirmed that two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators with their inquiries, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively pursued by security agencies across multiple jurisdictions.

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In a separate enforcement operation conducted concurrently, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers loaded with cannabis-infused products cleverly concealed alongside legitimate imports, including two used vehicles, two used pumping generators, rolls of blue polypropylene spunbond fabric, new tubular batteries, and thunder arrester cables. The sophisticated concealment method demonstrated the lengths to which international trafficking syndicates are willing to go to evade detection. The seizures comprised 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies containing 8,720 pieces (17.44kg) valued at ₦308.7 million, 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies comprising 740 packs (515.2kg) valued at ₦40.7 million, and 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies containing 442 packs (309.4kg) valued at ₦24.3 million. The total estimated street value of the seized illicit substances stands at ₦373,802,640, representing one of the largest seizures of cannabis-infused products by the Service in recent years.

The Comptroller-General noted that the interceptions highlight the increasing sophistication of international criminal syndicates using legitimate trade channels to traffic prohibited weapons and narcotic substances. He added that the successful operations reaffirm the effectiveness of the Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling mechanisms, and strong collaboration with sister security agencies, particularly the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Adeniyi warned that the cannabis-infused products were attractively packaged with flavours such as citrus, vanilla, pine, and peach pie to resemble ordinary snacks, making them particularly appealing to children, students, and other young people. He cautioned that unsuspecting consumers could unknowingly ingest the products because of their deceptive packaging, highlighting a growing public health crisis that extends beyond traditional drug enforcement concerns.

Receiving the seized items, the Commander of Narcotics at the NDLEA TinCan Strategic Command, Augustine Adewunmi, described cannabis-infused cookies, gummies, and smoothies as an emerging threat to public safety. He warned that the products, imported from the United States, were packaged as vegan snacks to deceive unsuspecting consumers and were designed to appeal to children, students, and club users, significantly increasing the risk of accidental drug consumption among vulnerable populations. He reaffirmed the Service’s determination to identify, apprehend, and prosecute all individuals connected to the criminal networks, declaring that “Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics, or other prohibited goods.”

The Customs boss commended officers and men of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication, while also appreciating the support of partner security and law enforcement agencies, including the NDLEA. He assured Nigerians that the Service remains committed to securing the nation’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and preventing the importation of prohibited goods, urging members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support the fight against smuggling and organised transnational crime. The Nigeria Customs Service stated that investigations are ongoing and pledged to keep the public informed as prosecutions commence. Adeniyi further disclosed that the Service is working closely with international law enforcement partners to track the financial networks behind the illegal shipments, with a view to dismantling the entire criminal enterprise rather than merely intercepting individual consignments.

Customs Intercepts 140 Pump-Action Rifles, Cannabis-Infused Products Worth ₦373.8 Million at Tin Can Port

Troops Arrest Fulani Youth Leader Over Deadly Kaduna Community Attack

Troops of Sector 7 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a Fulani youth leader, Zakari Yahu Adamu, in connection with the recent terrorist attack on Naridon Community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State that left over 30 people dead. Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed on his X (formerly Twitter) account that Adamu was apprehended on Wednesday at Fadan Chanwe following intelligence-led investigations into the incident. The suspect, who serves as a Fulani youth leader in the area, is currently in military custody as investigators work to determine the extent of his involvement and identify other individuals connected to the attack. The arrest comes nearly two weeks after the deadly assault on Naridon Community, which occurred late Sunday, July 26, 2026, when unidentified gunmen invaded the remote village around 11:00 p.m., opening fire on residents and setting houses and shops ablaze.

Local sources confirmed that more than 30 people, including children, women, and the elderly, were killed in the attack. In one heartbreaking case, five siblings from the same family—Deborah Emmanuel, Friday Emmanuel, Yusuf Emmanuel, Yunana Emmanuel, and Irimiya Emmanuel—lost their lives while their parents escaped. Dogon Rana, secretary to the village head, reported that the gunmen surrounded the remote community and attacked indiscriminately, with the assault lasting approximately three hours. A resident, Barnabas Musa, told AFP that at least 30 dead bodies were gathered, including women and children. Community leader Yunusa Babados recounted that attackers broke into family homes, with one household losing six children. The attackers reportedly told the parents: “We will spare you and kill all your children.”

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The Naridon community shares a border with Plateau State, an area that has experienced recurring herder-farmer clashes and communal tensions for years. Former Chairman of Kauru LGA, Musa Waziri, confirmed that the area has faced repeated security challenges, though he cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about the incident’s cause. Residents noted that security forces arrived after the attackers had already departed, highlighting longstanding concerns about response times in rural communities. Naridon reportedly lacks a motorable access road, making it difficult for security personnel and emergency responders to reach the area promptly. The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) condemned the attack and called on the Kaduna State Police Command to strengthen security across vulnerable communities. Amnesty International also condemned the killings, describing it as one of the deadliest recent assaults on communities in Southern Kaduna, and urged authorities to ensure accountability and improve civilian protection.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani condemned the killings and extended condolences to the affected families. He directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to survivors. The Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, stated that the government received news of the attack with “deep sorrow” and has directed security agencies to intensify operations to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The government also announced plans to strengthen security cooperation with Plateau State, traditional institutions, and security agencies along the border.

The arrest of Zakari Yahu Adamu is part of sustained intelligence-led operations by Operation Enduring Peace aimed at tracking down those responsible for violent attacks and dismantling criminal networks operating in Kaduna State. Security sources confirmed that Adamu was apprehended at approximately 4:00 p.m. on August 6 at Fadan Chanwe in Kauru LGA. His arrest follows a separate operation by troops of Sector 3 of Operation Enduring Peace, which resulted in the detention of another suspect, Salihu Miakailu, 48, in Bassa LGA of Plateau State on August 3. Investigations are continuing to determine the full scope of involvement and identify other individuals linked to the Naridon attack. Security authorities have indicated that they would sustain offensive and intelligence operations to improve security and prevent further attacks across affected communities in Kaduna State.

Troops Arrest Fulani Youth Leader Over Deadly Kaduna Community Attack

Osun Govt Sues EFCC, First Bank for ₦2 Billion Over Unlawful Account Freeze

The Osun State Government has initiated legal proceedings against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and First Bank Nigeria Limited, demanding ₦2 billion in exemplary and aggravated damages over what it describes as the unlawful freezing of its statutory allocation account. The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenges the anti-graft agency’s authority to place a Post-No-Debit restriction on the state’s account without first obtaining a court order. Governor Ademola Adeleke, the state’s Attorney-General, and the Accountant-General are listed as plaintiffs in the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1762/2026. The defendants are the EFCC, its Executive Chairman, and First Bank of Nigeria Limited. A legal team led by Prof. M. T. Adekilekun (SAN) is representing the state government.

The dispute centres on a letter dated August 5, 2026, signed by Assistant Commander Adenike Babalola on behalf of the EFCC’s Director of Investigation, which directed First Bank to place restrictions on Osun’s Federal Statutory Allocation Account (No. 2017170947). The state government argues that this directive was issued without any court order authorising the freeze and that the EFCC acted outside its statutory powers.

The plaintiffs are asking the Federal High Court to determine whether the EFCC possesses lawful authority to freeze, restrict, or otherwise interfere with a state government’s statutory allocation account without regard to due process. They contend that the EFCC’s action constitutes an “egregious act of executive lawlessness, an unlawful resort to self-help, and a flagrant abuse of statutory powers.” According to court documents, the state government argues that the EFCC’s directive violates several provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including sections on federalism, fair hearing, property rights, and revenue allocation. The plaintiffs also rely on the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, maintaining that these laws require the EFCC to obtain a specific court order before freezing a state government account—something they say did not happen in this case. The state also questioned whether First Bank could lawfully restrict access to the account solely on the basis of an administrative letter from the EFCC. The plaintiffs argue that the bank should not have complied with the directive without being served with a valid court order and that it breached the duty of care owed to the state government by denying it access to the statutory account.

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Beyond a declaration that the freeze was unlawful and unconstitutional, the Osun Government is seeking several reliefs from the court. These include an order setting aside and nullifying the EFCC’s directive, an order mandating First Bank to immediately unfreeze the account and restore unrestricted access, a perpetual injunction restraining the EFCC from interfering with state accounts without due process, and a similar injunction preventing First Bank from complying with future restriction requests lacking court orders. The state is also seeking N2 billion in exemplary and aggravated damages for what it termed as “unlawful interference with public funds,” plus litigation costs. The state government maintained that the restriction was capable of disrupting salary payments, government programmes, and other constitutional obligations owed to residents.

The EFCC has defended its decision, stating that it has been investigating Osun State since March 2026 over alleged fraudulent handling of approximately N11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and FAAC allocations. The commission claimed it observed suspicious transfers from the account into various corporate entities since August 2, 2026, and that its preventive mandate required it to protect public funds from being looted. EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, insisted that the action was not politically motivated or connected to the forthcoming governorship election in the state, stating that the EFCC “has always pointed out that it is non-partisan and non-sectarian but always working in the overall interests of Nigerians.” He argued that the EFCC possessed statutory powers under Section 34 of the EFCC Act and Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, to place a temporary restriction on accounts for up to 72 hours, after which a court order would be required. The EFCC spokesman stressed that the restriction was a targeted measure on one account and did not constitute a blanket freeze on all of Osun State’s finances. He maintained that the Adeleke administration still had access to other government accounts and could continue its operations.

The controversy escalated when President Bola Tinubu publicly distanced himself from the timing of the account freeze, which came just days before Osun’s August 15 governorship election. In a personally signed statement, the President said he felt “deeply embarrassed, not by the EFCC’s exercise of its mandate backed by a court order, but by the timing of the agency’s action.” He directed the EFCC to approach the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all proceedings instituted against the Osun State Government. President Tinubu emphasised that “Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the federal government is being used to interfere with the election.” He reaffirmed his commitment to allowing anti-corruption agencies to operate independently but stressed that the timing of the action necessitated his intervention.

Senior lawyers, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), have faulted the EFCC’s action, insisting that the anti-graft agency lacks the constitutional and legal authority to freeze a state’s accounts without first obtaining a court order. Constitutional lawyer Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN, said the law is clear that bank accounts can only be frozen pursuant to a valid court order. Human rights lawyer Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu maintained that “EFCC needs a court order to do that. It cannot be done lawfully as an administrative act.” The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also condemned the EFCC’s action, warning that democracy could be undermined where institutions with coercive powers are perceived as acting in a politically selective manner.

In summary, the Osun State Government is challenging the EFCC’s authority to freeze its statutory allocation account without a court order, seeking N2 billion in damages. The EFCC maintains its action was lawful and part of an ongoing N11 billion investigation. President Tinubu has intervened, directing the EFCC to vacate the freeze due to concerns about the timing ahead of the governorship election. No hearing date has been fixed for the suit.

Osun Govt Sues EFCC, First Bank for ₦2 Billion Over Unlawful Account Freeze