The Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that its officers and men uncovered 975 rounds of Red Star Live Cartridges the purveyors concealed inside five 50kg bags of rice on Wednesday.
The ammunition, which were concealed in the bags of rice, were intercepted following an intelligence report in the Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Addressing journalists at the Idiroko Border area of the state, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, explained that efforts are underway to track the perpetrators of the illicit importation, which he described as ‘a serious crime.’
Shuaibu said: “This morning, I have had cause to invite you once again to Idiroko to witness another monumental press briefing aimed at showcasing the dividends of our recent anti-smuggling exploits.
“Our presence here today underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding and strengthening the security architecture of our beloved nation against insecurity. We are delighted to report that we have thwarted the evil plans of the enemies of the state by preventing the smuggling of live ammunition into the country.
“Arms and ammunition smuggling is a high-intelligence operation, often attempting to evade the watchful eyes of law enforcement. It requires concerted and collaborative efforts from law-abiding citizens of this country to checkmate. Proactive intelligence is required in this regard. Smuggling of arms and ammunition is a menace that knows no borders and feeds on the vulnerability of our society.”
Speaking further he said: “The consequences of unchecked smuggling of arms and ammunition are severe, ranging from the empowerment of criminal organizations to escalating crises and compromising national security. For these reasons, we will neither relent nor compromise in waging war against the smuggling of unlawful arms and ammunition in building a safe and stable nation.”
“On Monday, November 27, 2023, our operatives conducted a sectional and intelligence-based operation to unravel the tactics deployed by unscrupulous elements to bring in live ammunition through the Imeko axis of the state. We have been on the trail of the ammunition for about a week.
“Fortunately, at 00:00 hours of the day, we received intelligence that the five 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 Council of Ogun State.”
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He added that operatives of the command went to the spot and evacuated the five bags of rice without any encounter, saying that the bags of rice were suspected due to the unusual threading and sewing of the sacks, which aroused the suspicion of the 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 to track down the perpetrators of this nefarious act for them to be brought to justice.
“We recognise the potential danger of arms and ammunition trafficking, which is life-threatening. We shall not renege on our efforts in combating smuggling activities.
“We appreciate our gallant officers and men for their bravery and commend the patriotism of our informant in partnering with us. We URGE well-meaning Nigerians with useful intelligence 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. We shall continue to appreciate the enormous support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in enhancing our activities in Ogun State. We also appreciate the continuous synergy and collaboration between us and our sister agencies,” he concluded.
