The Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have successfully intercepted a significant cache of illegal ammunition, thwarting an attempt to smuggle 975 rounds of live cartridges concealed in sacks of foreign parboiled rice into the country’s borders at Idiroko.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu vehemently condemned the smuggling of ammunition, highlighting the potential catastrophic consequences and emphasizing the necessity for collective action beyond security agencies.
Detailing the operational success, Shuaibu revealed that the operation, orchestrated by vigilant operatives, unfolded on Monday, November 27, 2023, when intelligence led them to discover five suspiciously packed bags of foreign parboiled rice along the Palace/Ayetoro road in Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
According to him, the meticulous examination of these bags revealed an alarming concealment of 975 rounds of live ammunition cleverly stashed within the rice sacks.
Shuaibu stated that this meticulous operation, executed on Monday, unraveled the intricate plans of criminals attempting to smuggle these cartridges through the Imeko axis of Ogun State.
Shuaibu commended the professionalism and vigilance of the operatives involved in uncovering the hidden ammunition.
He emphasized the paramount importance of proactive intelligence and collaborative efforts in curbing the smuggling of arms and ammunition, stressing the severe implications of unchecked trafficking, which could empower criminal entities and compromise national security.
The Acting CAC underscored the need for collective action beyond security agencies, urging all Nigerians to support efforts to combat these illegal activities.
In his words: “Only God knows the number of lives that would have been lost if these cartridges got in. Kidnapping and banditry must be brought to book in this country. We enjoin all Nigerians and not only the security agencies to come together and support the fight against these activities.
“We were able to intercept these items through intelligence and devoid of any loss of live. We want to show the world that this is an injurious way of smuggling ammunition into the country. The owners of these items will be brought to book.
“This happened on Monday and this is the first time we are apprehending ammunition at this axis. Our responsibility is to checkmate smuggling as it is not possible to eradicate smuggling. These are criminals who wants to beat the intelligence of law enforcement” he noted.
“This happened on Monday and this is the first time we are apprehending ammunition at this axis. Our responsibility is to checkmate smuggling as it is not possible to eradicate smuggling. These are criminals who wants to beat the intelligence of law enforcement” he noted.
In his closing remarks, Shuaibu reiterated the unwavering commitment of the agency, underscoring their dedication to promoting national security and economic well-being.
He expressed gratitude for the support received from the Customs Management Team, the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc(+), and sister agencies, emphasizing their resolve to fulfill their statutory responsibilities in service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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