The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has confirmed the interception of 1,245 live ammunition allegedly concealed in 203 bags of foreign rice abandoned in a bush path at Tombolo Junction, near the Yewa North Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun State.
The Customs Area Controller, comptroller of the Bamidele Makinde, who briefed journalists on Monday at Customs House in Abeokuta, said the duty paid value of the seized ammunition and rice is N17.638 million Naira.
‘During examination of the seized vehicles and the item, about 1,245 rounds of 70mm (2¾) live ammunition of Lion, Trust, Supreme and Redstar branded cartridges were found to have been ingeniously concealed in 20 bags of the intercepted foreign rice.
‘While considering the potential danger of ammunition of such magnitude if successfully smuggled in, we redouble our efforts to ensure they do not find their way into the country.’
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‘It is a threat to safety of the border communities and national security. We are committed to ensuring maximum security of our border lines with all sense of patriotism.’
Bamidele said the drivers, who were suspected to have hinted at the movement of Customs’ operatives, escaped through the bush path to evade arrest.
The Customs Boss added that an investigation is ongoing to unravel the cartel responsible for the attempted smuggling with a plea to residents to afford the Command timely and valuable information.
In another report, the Acting Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi has disclosed a notable achievement by the Nigeria Customs Service. This achievement involves the successful confiscation of different quantities of cannabis sativa, valued at ₦651 million. The operations were carried out in two key regions: the Ajah sector of Lagos State and Ogun State.
Addressing reporters in Abeokuta, Adewale Adeniyi made this revelation during a press briefing on Tuesday, as conveyed in a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada.
According to Adeniyi, a total of three suspects have been apprehended in relation to certain illicit substances intercepted aboard a wooden boat.