Lagos, Nigeria — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 16 containers loaded with contraband goods, including firearms, expired pharmaceuticals, frozen poultry, and other prohibited items, with a total duty-paid value exceeding ₦10 billion.

Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi announced the seizures on Monday while showcasing the containers to journalists at the Apapa Port, Lagos. He said the interceptions followed credible intelligence and were part of ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s security and economy.

“The importation of these goods violates our laws and threatens our collective peace and security,” Adeniyi stated.

Arms, Ammunition, and Cannabis
One of the most significant discoveries was a 40-foot container (registration number MRSU6407089) initially cleared as clean cargo. A joint secondary search by NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) uncovered 202 cans of ‘Colorado Loud’ a potent Canadian strain of cannabis amounting to 101 kilograms.

Further scanning revealed concealed weapons, including two pump-action rifles, 25 cartridges, a Smith & Wesson pistol with 55 rounds of ammunition, and other firearm accessories.

Expired Drugs, Food, and Clothing
The seizures also included:

• Seven containers of expired and prohibited medications.
• Three containers of expired food items, notably margarine.
• Three containers of prohibited used clothing.

Over the weekend, Customs also seized two 40-foot containers each carrying 1,290 sacks of frozen poultry products, alongside another shipment that infringed on intellectual property rights a container of 305 cartons of unregistered toothpaste concealed with beads and Jalabiya garments.

Codeine and More Expired Medicines
Two additional containers were found carrying codeine-based products without National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration, while other shipments contained expired chest and lung tablets.

Arrests and Prosecution
Adeniyi confirmed five arrests linked to the interceptions, with three suspects already charged and remanded in Ikoyi Prison pending trial.

“We are working closely with both local and international partners to ensure Nigeria does not become a dumping ground for illegal and dangerous goods,” he said, pledging further cooperation with customs agencies worldwide to track down the networks involved.

The NCS boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing Nigeria’s import regulations and protecting citizens from harmful goods.