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

ISWAP Executes Four Shura Council Members Amid Deepening Leadership Crisis

Intelligence sources confirm the killing of four senior commanders amid a widening leadership dispute, raising fears of further fragmentation within the terrorist group.

The leadership crisis within the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has taken a dramatic turn following reports that four members of the group’s influential Shura Council have been executed. The killings, allegedly ordered by a senior commander identified as Ba Shuwa, have heightened concerns over internal purges and the consolidation of authority by rival factions within the organisation. According to intelligence obtained by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the four senior members were arrested by ISWAP fighters last week before being executed on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, at the group’s Kwatan Dila enclave in the Lake Chad region. The specific allegations that led to their detention and subsequent execution could not be independently established.

The reported executions follow weeks of growing internal distrust and factional tensions within the terrorist organisation. Intelligence reports indicate that Ba Shuwa had ordered the detention of the four senior Shura Council members in late July 2026. Those initially detained were identified as Mallam Burin, a widely respected Qaid (field commander) with considerable influence among fighters operating around the Lake Chad islands; Babakura Wanjam, a prominent ISWAP cleric responsible for providing ideological guidance to members; Abu Huraira, a senior member of the Shura Council; and Mallam Ari Kara, also a senior Shura Council member. The arrests were ordered after ISWAP’s internal intelligence unit, known as the Amniyya, concluded a prolonged surveillance operation on the four senior figures. They were accused of repeatedly listening to “subversive” audio messages believed to have originated from Nigerian military psychological operations targeting insurgents.

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The internal crisis has been exacerbated by sustained military operations targeting ISWAP’s leadership, fighters and logistics networks across the Lake Chad axis. Nigerian forces and regional partners have continued intelligence-driven operations aimed at weakening the group’s command structure. A significant trigger for the purge appears to be the recent release of a military wanted list containing the names and photographs of suspected ISWAP leaders. According to intelligence reports, Ba Shuwa reportedly expressed surprise over the accuracy of the information, raising suspicions that the group’s leadership and operational networks may have been penetrated by military intelligence. “The latest development is believed to further expose growing internal disagreements and factional tensions within the terrorist organisation operating in the Lake Chad region,” Makama stated.

The Shura Council plays a significant role in ISWAP’s decision-making structure, including matters relating to leadership, military operations, administration and resource management. The removal of four members could therefore have significant consequences for the group’s command structure and internal cohesion. Security assessments suggest that other senior commanders may interpret the executions as evidence of a wider purge, potentially deepening mistrust within the organisation. The development could also lead to further violence as competing commanders seek to consolidate control or avenge the executions. Security agencies are reportedly monitoring the situation closely to assess the implications of the internal crisis and identify opportunities to exploit existing divisions within the terrorist organisation. The situation could create opportunities for security forces to encourage defections, obtain intelligence and disrupt support networks linked to the insurgents.

The reported executions come against the backdrop of intensified military operations targeting ISWAP’s leadership, fighters and logistics networks across the Lake Chad axis. Nigerian forces and regional partners continue to conduct intelligence, surveillance and military operations against ISWAP positions. Security sources, however, cautioned that the situation remains fluid and could trigger retaliatory actions among rival factions. The combination of sustained military pressure and internal instability appears to be pushing the group into a state of heightened volatility. As one security source noted: “The detention of influential commanders and religious figures by their own leader reflects an atmosphere of deep mistrust within the organisation. It suggests that Ba Shuwa is increasingly concerned about possible ideological drift, dissent or covert influence among even his closest associates.”

ISWAP Executes Four Shura Council Members Amid Deepening Leadership Crisis

$79 T-Shirt That Stays Fresh for 30 Days Without Washing? US Company Makes Bold Claim

A US-based clothing startup says its latest T-shirt can be worn daily for a month without developing odour – but experts urge caution.

Imagine never having to worry about whether your favourite T-shirt smells after a long day at work, a sweaty commute, or even a workout. Now imagine wearing that same shirt every single day for an entire month – without washing it once. That is exactly what US-based clothing company HercLeon is promising with its latest product, the HercShirt V5.0. The company claims the shirt can remain fresh and odour-free for up to 30 days under heavy use, thanks to a proprietary blend of materials woven directly into the fabric. But is this a genuine breakthrough in textile technology, or just clever marketing? Here is everything we know so far.

The HercShirt V5.0 is not HercLeon’s first foray into odour-resistant clothing. The company previously gained attention for launching self-cleaning underwear, which used similar technology to reduce the need for frequent washing. The new T-shirt is the fifth version of the company’s specialised shirt, representing years of research and development. According to HercLeon, each iteration has brought improvements in durability, comfort, and odour resistance. The company’s long-term vision is to create a “laundry-free future“, reducing the environmental impact of frequent washing while offering consumers greater convenience. This vision has resonated with many, as the project has already raised over $272,000 from more than 1,740 backers on Kickstarter.

According to HercLeon, the HercShirt V5.0 achieves its odour-resistant properties through seven special ingredients that are woven directly into the fabric fibres, rather than simply applied to the surface. These materials include copper, which helps inhibit odour-causing bacteria; silver, which provides additional antimicrobial properties; zinc, which neutralises sulphur compounds associated with sweating; gold, which enhances the fabric’s overall performance; volcanic ash, which absorbs moisture and external odours; and two undisclosed ingredients that the company has not revealed. Each material serves a specific purpose in controlling moisture and odour. Copper, in particular, has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, with research from the University of Southampton demonstrating that certain bacteria are destroyed upon contact with copper surfaces. This is why copper touch surfaces are already used in hospitals, schools, and other public facilities worldwide. Volcanic ash acts like a porous sponge, trapping moisture and external smells before they can become noticeable. Meanwhile, zinc helps break down the chemical compounds that cause body odour in the first place.

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The HercShirt is the brainchild of Cameroonian-born inventor Wenceslaus Muenyi, who reportedly got the idea after finding that all his clothes smelled terrible after a few weeks of travelling. This personal frustration led him to develop the first version of “HercFiber”, a material designed to keep bad smells at bay. Muenyi, a graduate of the University of West Florida, previously appeared on the reality TV series “Shark Tank” to pitch his company’s odour-resistant fabrics. He chose the name HercLeon by combining Hercules – a symbol of faith, hope and service – with the French word for lion, representing persistence and determination. His vision extends beyond just T-shirts. Muenyi hopes to eventually apply the technology to a wider range of clothing, including dress shirts, polo shirts, socks, and even bedding.

Clothes develop unpleasant odours not simply because they are dirty, but because sweat and dirt provide food for smell-causing bacteria. Microbes that live on human skin build up in clothing fibres over time, producing byproducts that create body odour. Muenyi claims that the copper and silver woven into the fabric help kill those bacteria, preventing bad smells from forming regardless of how much the wearer sweats. The volcanic ash then absorbs any remaining moisture, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable. However, experts have noted that while copper’s antimicrobial properties are well-documented, there is not yet enough independent scientific evidence to fully support some of the company’s specific claims about 30-day freshness.

The **HercShirt V5.0 is priced at $79**. According to the company, shipments are expected to begin in **early November 2026**. It will initially be available only in **black**, with **navy blue**, **burgundy**, and **dark green** versions planned for later release. For customers who find the $79 price too expensive, HercLeon is also offering cheaper alternatives. A $39 budget version can remain fresh for up to three days of heavy use, while a standard version reportedly can go for up to 14 days without washing. The company says the shirt lasts longer than conventional T-shirts because it requires far less washing, helping offset the higher initial cost.

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Despite the impressive claims, HercLeon has been careful to manage expectations. The odour-resistant shirt is not a substitute for good personal hygiene. It will not change how a person’s body smells, and the company still recommends basic hygiene practices. The shirt is not self-cleaning, meaning that dirt, dust, or spilled food will still stain and build up on the fabric if not properly cared for. The 30-day claim is a company assertion, not a guarantee that the shirt will be suitable for every person, every activity, or every climate without washing. The company recommends airing out the shirt after use for best results, which suggests that some level of care is still required. There is also no independent, third-party verification of the 30-day freshness claim.

HercLeon is not alone in exploring odour-resistant clothing. Several other brands have entered the market with similar promises. Wool&Prince makes a wool shirt that claims to resist odour, though not for 30 days. Silver-based antimicrobial shirts are also available, using similar technology to HercLeon. Some experts recommend simply airing out clothes and using spray-on fabric refreshers as a more affordable alternative. However, none of these competitors have made a claim as bold as HercLeon’s 30-day freshness promise.

One of the key selling points of the HercShirt is its potential environmental benefit. The company argues that reduced washing means less water usage, less energy consumption, and less detergent entering the water system. Given that the average person washes their clothes multiple times a week, a shirt that requires washing only once a month could significantly reduce a household’s environmental footprint. HercLeon also claims the shirt lasts longer because it is washed less frequently. However, the high price point ($79) may limit accessibility, and the environmental benefits of reduced washing must be weighed against the environmental cost of manufacturing these technologically advanced fabrics.

While HercLeon’s claims have generated excitement, experts urge caution. Dr. Rachel McQueen, a textiles expert at the University of Alberta, notes that “antimicrobial properties are known to help reduce odour, but 30 days is an extraordinary claim that would require rigorous independent testing.” Some experts have pointed out that copper and silver can leach into wastewater during washing, potentially causing environmental harm. Others have raised concerns about skin sensitivity, as some individuals may react to copper or silver in direct contact with the skin. HercLeon has not yet released independent, peer-reviewed studies to support its 30-day claim.

Whether the HercShirt V5.0 is a genuine game-changer or an overhyped gimmick remains to be seen. What is clear is that the concept of odour-resistant, low-maintenance clothing is gaining traction, and HercLeon is one of the most ambitious players in this space. For travellers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone tired of doing laundry, the HercShirt could be a worthwhile investment – if it delivers on its promises. However, for the average consumer, the $79 price point and the lack of independent verification may be significant barriers. As one Kickstarter backer commented: “If this works, it will change my life. But I’ll believe it when I smell it – or rather, when I don’t.”

$79 T-Shirt That Stays Fresh for 30 Days Without Washing? US Company Makes Bold Claim