Customs intercept live ammunition hidden in rice bags in Ogun
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area one Command, has successfully intercepted a cache of live ammunition.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Ahmadu Shuaibu, announced the seizure of 975 rounds of red star live cartridges. These were ingeniously concealed within bags of foreign parboiled rice.
The discovery was made public during a press briefing held at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko on Wednesday.
Shuaibu detailed that the operation was a result of meticulous intelligence gathering and professional execution, aimed at thwarting the efforts of nefarious individuals attempting to smuggle live ammunition into the country via the Imeko axis.
The Command’s proactive approach has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by security agencies in managing the influx of illegal arms into Nigeria. This operation underscores the NCS’s commitment to national security and its vigilance in monitoring points of entry to prevent the flow of contraband into the country.
Shuaibu said the Command has intensified efforts at tracking down the perpetrators in order to bring them to justice.
He said, “The bags of rice were suspected because of the unusual threading and sewing of the sacks. This quickly arouse 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.
“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.”
The Acting Area Controller expressed satisfaction that his men were able to thwart “the evil plans of the enemies of the State from smuggling of live ammunition into the country.”
“It requires concerted and collaborative efforts of law-abiding citizens of this country to checkmate. 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,” he added.
