The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, intercepted 940 rounds of ammunition valued at N557 million concealed within sacks of garri (cassava flakes) along the Idiroko axis of the state.
The seized bags of bullets
The Ogun State Area Controller of the Nigerian Customs Service, Ahmadu Shibu, disclosed this during a media conference held on Friday in Idiroko, Ogun.
Mr. Shibu revealed that the command had been tracking a smuggling cartel from the Republic of Benin for over two weeks.
Despite the suspects’ attempts to evade capture with heightened surveillance and security measures, the Customs operatives successfully seized the ammunition, which the smugglers abandoned to escape arrest.
Additionally, the command seized 123 sacks and 3,172 parcels of cannabis sativa (hemp), 380 pieces of donkey skin, 304 bales of used clothes, and 910 cartons of frozen poultry products, among other contraband items.
These seizures, conducted at various strategic locations across Ogun, were valued at a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N557 million.
The Customs Service Area Controller emphasized the importance of collaboration with patriotic Nigerians to combat smuggling, which poses a significant threat to national security and public safety. He urged citizens to provide intelligence to aid in the interception of harmful substances, light weapons, arms, and ammunition.
Despite the successful operations, Mr. Shibu stressed the commitment of the command to safeguarding the lives of its personnel, noting that they carry arms for self-defense when necessary. He warned smugglers that their activities would not go unpunished, reaffirming the command’s dedication to enforcing anti-smuggling laws.
Furthermore, Mr. Shibu expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their support, which has contributed to the command’s operational success.
He also commended the efforts of customs operatives, the Customs Intelligence Unit, customs police Unit, sister agencies, and other stakeholders involved in combating smuggling activities.
In terms of revenue generation, the command reported a total revenue of N24,283,788 from baggage assessment and auction of petroleum products since January.
