The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made unprecedented seizures of life-threatening ammunition, highly dreaded substances and other prohibited items.
This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, Hammed Oloyede, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller on Friday, 15th March 2024, at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, addressing a group of journalists, hinted that on Thursday, 14th March 2024, while on anti-smuggling operations along the borderline, the Command Officers intercepted smuggled 940 rounds of live ammunition camouflaged in sacks of cassava flakes, commonly known as garri in local parlance.
The CAC explained the circumstances surrounding the operation as the Command had been on its trail for more than 2 weeks from the Republic of Benin before it was eventually smuggled into the country.
Speaking further, he stated that the command received valuable intelligence on the level of surveillance mounted and security reinforced by the crooked elements to safeguard the items and evade arrest. However, the superior security network of the Command eventually won the bout, though without apprehending the suspects, as they abandoned the items and absconded in a bid to evade arrest.
According to the Customs Area Controller, “the Command also recorded the seizures of 123 sacks and 3,172 parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as Indian Hemp; 380 pieces of donkey skin; 304 bales of used clothes; and 910 cartons of frozen poultry products, among others.
These items were intercepted at the creeks, borderlines and other strategic locations across Ogun State through the Command espionage network and 24-hour patrol/anti-smuggling activities.