The Ogun 1 command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted 975 rounds of live ammunition cleverly concealed within five bags of locally produced rice.
The seizure took place at Imeko Afon.
Acting Customs Area Controller, Ahmadu Shuaibu, revealed this during a press briefing in Idiroko, Ogun State, on Wednesday.
Shuaibu of Nigeria Customs Service pointed out the heightened efforts of the command in tracking down those responsible for smuggling such dangerous items, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
Authorities are determined to hold the perpetrators accountable for this illicit activity.
“We are delighted to report that we have thwarted the evil plans of the enemies of the state from smuggling live ammunition into the country.
Arms and ammunition smuggling is a high-intelligence operation, as it often attempts to evade the watchful eyes of law enforcement.
It requires the concerted and collaborative efforts of law-abiding citizens of this country to checkmate.
“On Monday, November 27, 2023, our operatives went on a professional and intelligence-based operation to unravel the antics deployed by unscrupulous elements to bring in live ammunition through the Imeko axis of the state. We were on the trail of the ammunition for about a week.
“Fortunately, at 0005 hours of the day, we got intel that the 5 bags of foreign parboiled rice containing live cartridges of red star ammunition had been carefully hidden in a bush path along the Palace/Ayetoro road, Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State. Our operatives went to the spot and evacuated the five bags of rice without any encounter.
“The bags of rice were suspected because of the unusual threading and sewing of the sacks. This quickly arouses the suspicion of our operatives, leading to their opening for proper examination at the border station. During the examination, about 975 rounds of red star live cartridges were found to have been ingeniously concealed in the bags.
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We have intensified efforts at tracking down the perpetrators of this nefarious act for them to be brought to justice. We recognize the potential danger of arms and ammunition trafficking which is life threatening. We shall not renege in our efforts in combatting smuggling activities in its entirety,” Shuaibu, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs said.
He stated that it took the command three weeks to intercept the expired bags of rice, emphasizing the command’s commitment to enhancing national security and the economic well-being of the country.
Shuaibu expressed regret over the repercussions of uncontrolled smuggling of arms and ammunition, noting that it empowers criminal organizations, exacerbates crises, and compromises national security.
“Proactive intelligence is required in this regard. Smuggling of arms and ammunition are menace that knows no border and feeds on the vulnerability of our society. The consequences of unchecked smuggling of arms and ammunition is severe, ranging from the empowerment of criminal organizations to escalating crisis and compromise of national security. For these reasons, we will not relent nor compromise waging war against smuggling of unlawful arms and ammunition in building a safe and stable nation.”
“We appreciate our gallant officers and men for their bravery and commend the patriotism of our informant in partnering with us. We call on well-meaning Nigerians with useful intel to collaborate with us in enhancing the security of our dear nation.
” You are assured of maximum-security cover. Let me use this medium to reiterate that we remain resolute in promoting national security and economic wellbeing of our beloved Country. We will not be deterred by any means possible in discharging our statutory responsibilities to our fatherland,” he stated. #Customs