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Customs Uncover 399 Rifles, 535 Parts in Massive Tin Can Port Arms Haul
Customs Uncover 399 Rifles, 535 Parts in Massive Tin Can Port Arms Haul
The Nigeria Customs Service has completed the inventory of a major arms shipment intercepted at the Tin Can Island Port, revealing 399 fully assembled Jojef firearms and over 500 assorted rifle components concealed in a single container.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has uncovered 399 fully assembled Jojef firearms and 535 assorted rifle parts following the detailed examination of a seized shipment at the Tin Can Island Port Command. The seizure, confirmed on Sunday, August 9, 2026, represents one of the largest arms interceptions at the port in recent years and has raised serious concerns about arms trafficking ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections. According to the Customs National Spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, the completion of the coupling and examination of the arms shipment revealed the full scale of the contraband. The container was initially discovered containing crates of knocked-down components, which were preliminarily identified as Jojef pump-action rifles. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, had initially disclosed the interception of the container on Thursday, August 6, 2026, when only 140 rifles had been assembled. At that time, he warned that the total number had not yet been determined, and counting was still in progress.
Following the completion of the detailed examination, Customs officers uncovered a total of 399 fully assembled Jojef rifles, along with 89 frames, 16 heat shields, 10 trigger pins, three pistons, 25 locking lugs, 80 charging handles, 39 pistol-grip screws, 34 springs, 57 trigger groups, 66 foregrip latches, 45 foregrips or handguards, four pistol grips, and five barrels. The additional 535 rifle parts recovered alongside the fully assembled weapons indicate that the shipment was designed to allow for the rapid assembly of even more firearms. The components were concealed in a 20-foot container with number TEMU-184536/9, which arrived at Tin Can Island Port on July 8, 2026, aboard the vessel MV Velika.
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Investigations into the arms shipment have led to the arrest of two suspects, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively pursued by law enforcement authorities. According to Adeniyi, one suspect was arrested on July 31, 2026, at the Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container. Documentary evidence, financial records, and telecommunications analysis established links between the suspect and the consignee named on the shipping documents. This included a N10,000 payment received from a company account directly linked to the consignee on the day of his arrest.
The Customs Comptroller-General has linked the seizure to heightened security concerns ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections. Adeniyi warned that criminal networks could exploit the country’s borders, ports, and airports to move prohibited items into the country during this period. “We are about entering a major election cycle and we know that by this period, men of the underworld will want to use our borders, our ports, our airports to bring in items like this. We are going to redouble our efforts to ensure that we do not allow them to do so,” Adeniyi stated. He further cautioned that smugglers might seek accomplices within the Customs Service and other security agencies, but assured Nigerians that the Service would not tolerate any form of complicity.
The Customs Service is working closely with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to dismantle arms-trafficking networks and safeguard national security. Following the completion of the inventory and assessment, the NCS is preparing to hand over the seized armaments to the NCCSALW. This handover is part of a coordinated inter-agency effort to ensure that the weapons are taken out of circulation permanently.
In a related operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers laden with cannabis-infused products valued at approximately N373.8 million, which were concealed among legitimate imports at the same port. The illicit substances included 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies (8,720 pieces, 17.44kg) valued at N308.7 million; 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies (740 packs, 515.2kg) valued at N40.7 million; and 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies (442 packs, 309.4kg) valued at N24.3 million. The NDLEA has cautioned parents to closely monitor their children’s consumption of cookies and gummies, warning that some products may contain illicit substances being smuggled into the country. Officials noted that the attractive packaging could appeal especially to children, students and young people, raising the risk of accidental consumption of concentrated cannabis.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to intelligence-led enforcement, stronger border surveillance, and enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies to tackle arms trafficking and other forms of transnational crime. He commended the Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and operatives of the Enforcement Unit for their vigilance and dedication. “These interceptions demonstrate the growing sophistication of transnational criminal networks that exploit legitimate trade channels to traffic illicit weapons and dangerous narcotic products. They also reaffirm our effectiveness — that of our intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling system and very strong inter-agency collaboration,” Adeniyi said. Investigations into both seizures are ongoing, with additional arrests and prosecutions expected as efforts continue to unravel the syndicates behind the illegal importations.
Customs Uncover 399 Rifles, 535 Parts in Massive Tin Can Port Arms Haul
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Cameroon Horror: Nigerian Pastor Flees As Mummified Body Is Found Under Church Property
Cameroon Horror: Nigerian Pastor Flees As Mummified Body Is Found Under Church Property
Police uncover coffin buried 1.5 metres underground as investigation into Nigerian pastor’s properties deepens
A Nigerian cleric has reportedly gone into hiding in Cameroon after security operatives uncovered a mummified body buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to his church in Yaoundé.
The shocking discovery has plunged Mercy of God Ministry, founded by Nigerian-born cleric Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel, into the centre of a widening investigation by Cameroonian authorities.
The latest discovery was reportedly made on September 19, 2026, at a property in Nkoabang, Yaoundé, during an investigation into activities allegedly linked to the cleric.
According to reports from Cameroon, police discovered a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres underground beneath a concrete slab.
Inside the coffin was what investigators described as a mummified human body.
The remains were reportedly dressed in traditional blue clothing decorated with gold embroidery and appeared to be those of a woman.
But authorities have not yet publicly established the identity of the deceased, when she died or how she came to be buried beneath the property.
The discovery has therefore raised a string of unanswered questions as investigators intensify their probe.
Secret burial uncovered
The discovery reportedly followed an examination of the property after part of the structure was damaged, exposing an underground section.
Police subsequently conducted a search and allegedly found the coffin concealed beneath the concrete.
Investigators are expected to carry out further forensic examinations to establish the identity of the remains and determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
Authorities have also reportedly sought permission to conduct additional searches of the premises amid concerns that further evidence could be hidden within the property.
The latest discovery comes barely days after investigators reportedly made another disturbing finding at a different property linked to the ministry.
On September 6, security operatives reportedly raided a property in the Ngousso area of Yaoundé, where they allegedly found 20 people inside a basement.
The group reportedly comprised 10 women, eight men and two children, aged six and seven.
The discovery triggered further investigations into the activities taking place at properties allegedly associated with the ministry.
30 rooms, underground pit discovered
The investigation subsequently moved to the Nkoabang property.
According to reports, investigators found about 30 rooms, five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food and functioning freezers on the premises.
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An underground pit measuring approximately two metres deep was also reportedly discovered.
The purpose of the pit has not been established publicly.
The discovery of the mummified remains has now added another disturbing dimension to the investigation.
Cameroonian authorities are reportedly examining whether there is any connection between the body and the other findings made during their operations.
However, there is currently no established evidence publicly showing that the cleric caused the death of the person whose remains were discovered.
Cleric reportedly disappears
Kenechukwu, who has reportedly been operating in Cameroon since 2018, is said to have disappeared as authorities intensified their investigation.
Cameroonian security agencies are reportedly searching for him and have taken steps to alert relevant authorities as efforts to locate him continue.
The cleric is reportedly being sought over allegations arising from the broader investigation, including claims concerning human trafficking, unlawful detention and kidnapping.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Authorities are expected to question Kenechukwu over the discoveries and establish his relationship with the properties and the people found there.
Investigation deepens
The case has generated considerable concern in Cameroon because of the nature of the discoveries reportedly made at properties associated with the ministry.
The finding of 20 people in a basement, the existence of numerous rooms and an underground pit, and the subsequent discovery of a coffin containing mummified remains have all intensified scrutiny of the ministry’s activities.
Investigators are expected to focus on establishing whether the different discoveries are connected or merely occurred at properties belonging to the same religious organisation.
Forensic experts will also be expected to determine the identity of the deceased, establish the cause and approximate time of death, and examine the circumstances surrounding the burial.
Until those investigations are completed, several critical questions remain unanswered.
Who was the deceased?
How did she die?
Why was her body placed inside a coffin and buried beneath a concrete slab?
Who buried the remains there, and when?
And perhaps most importantly, what connection, if any, does the discovery have with the activities under investigation at the church properties?
For now, those questions remain with Cameroonian investigators as the search for the Nigerian cleric reportedly continues.
The case is expected to generate further developments as security agencies conduct additional searches and forensic examinations.
Cameroon Horror: Nigerian Pastor Flees As Mummified Body Is Found Under Church Property
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Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested
Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four men over the alleged killing of a 45-year-old farmer, Garba Abdullahi, who was reportedly attacked after being accused of causing a woman’s illness through witchcraft.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in Dunari Village, Atahowa District, when Abdullahi was returning from his farm.
The suspects were identified by the police as Shitu Dahiru, 25; Magaji Dahiru, 42; Sabi’u Auwalu, 20; and Abbah Abdulzahar, 19.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly accused Abdullahi of being responsible for the illness of a woman identified as Sawaida Dahiru before attacking him at about 11:40am.
The suspects allegedly used knives and machetes to inflict multiple injuries on different parts of Abdullahi’s body, leaving him unconscious.
His 35-year-old younger brother later reported the incident at the Gadau Divisional Police Headquarters at about 12:35pm.
Police operatives who responded to the report evacuated Abdullahi to the General Hospital, Azare, where he was subsequently confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
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His remains were released to his family for burial, while the four suspects were taken into police custody.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killing and warned residents against resorting to jungle justice or violence based on unverified and superstitious allegations.
The police commissioner stressed that no person had the right to take another person’s life and urged residents to report disputes, suspicions and suspected criminal activities to security agencies rather than take the law into their own hands.
He also appealed to members of the public to provide timely and credible information that could help security agencies prevent crime and protect lives and property.
The incident has renewed concerns over violence arising from witchcraft allegations in parts of Bauchi State. Another woman, Habse Ubale, was reportedly hacked to death in the state in an earlier incident after she was accused of being a witch.
Police had arrested one suspect in that case and launched a search for two others.
The latest killing highlights the dangers of acting on unverified claims of witchcraft and other forms of superstition. Security authorities have repeatedly urged communities to seek lawful intervention when disputes arise rather than resort to violence.
The four suspects remain accused persons, and their alleged involvement in Abdullahi’s death will be determined through the investigation and judicial process.
Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested
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Rivers: Nwuche Urges FG to Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists, Militants
Rivers: Nwuche Urges FG to Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists, Militants
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Governing Board of the South-South Development Commission, Chibudom Nwuche, has appealed to the Federal Government to establish an amnesty programme for repentant cultists and militant youths in the Orashi region of Rivers State who are willing to renounce violence and surrender their weapons.
Nwuche said individuals involved in cultism, kidnapping, robbery, assault and other violent activities should be given an opportunity to abandon criminality through a structured process of rehabilitation, reorientation, skills acquisition and reintegration into their communities.
He made the appeal through his representative, Chief Kingdom Ajugo, during the opening of the 2026 Upata Folklore (Ele) at Ula Upata in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Orashi region comprises Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Abua/Odual and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.
Nwuche expressed concern over the security challenges confronting parts of the region, particularly Ahoada and neighbouring communities, where residents have continued to face killings and other forms of violent crime.
He cited the 2023 killing of SP Bako Angbashim, the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division, who was killed during an operation against criminal elements in the area. The incident triggered intensified security operations and investigations in the region.
According to Nwuche, repeated calls had previously been made for the Rivers State Government to introduce an amnesty initiative for youths willing to abandon criminal activities, but such a programme had yet to materialise.
He therefore urged the Federal Government, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser, to consider a comprehensive amnesty framework for individuals who genuinely renounce violence.
He said such a programme should include the surrender of weapons, proper identification and screening of participants, rehabilitation, vocational training and reintegration into society, alongside mechanisms for monitoring beneficiaries.
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Nwuche also urged youths still involved in violent activities to take advantage of any genuine rehabilitation opportunity provided by government rather than continue on a path that threatens lives and undermines the economic prospects of their communities.
He said insecurity had affected economic activities across the Orashi region, making it difficult for residents to farm, trade and carry out other legitimate businesses without fear.
The former deputy speaker called for greater cooperation among government agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents in tackling cult-related violence and other criminal activities.
He also appealed to traditional rulers in Ekpeye land to promote unity and peaceful coexistence, urging them to work together in addressing issues affecting their communities.
The remarks were made during the Upata cultural festival, which attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, women, youths, students and other members of the Ekpeye community.
The Eze Igbu Upata III, Eze Felix Otuwarikpo, declared the festival open and described it as an important platform for preserving the cultural heritage and identity of the Upata people.
The monarch said the annual celebration, traditionally held after the harvest season, provides an opportunity for the community to promote unity, hospitality and peaceful relations while passing its traditions and history to younger generations.
Nwuche further encouraged young people in the region to reject criminality and pursue legitimate economic opportunities, stressing that sustainable development could only take place in an environment where lives and property are protected.
He also urged the traditional institution to maintain constructive engagement with government authorities and oil companies in order to protect the interests of local communities.
The call for an amnesty for repentant cultists and militants comes amid wider debates over how to address youth involvement in cultism, armed violence and other criminal activities in parts of Rivers State.
If adopted, any such initiative would require clearly defined eligibility conditions, verification of participants, weapon surrender procedures and sustained rehabilitation and monitoring to ensure that beneficiaries genuinely abandon violent activities.
For communities in the Orashi region, the proposed approach would combine security measures with rehabilitation and economic opportunities for youths willing to renounce violence, while those who continue to commit crimes would remain subject to existing laws.
Rivers: Nwuche Urges FG to Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists, Militants
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