The Ogun 1 Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday showcased five bags of rice in which each containing 975 rounds of Red Star Live Cartridges.

Addressing journalists in the Idiroko border area of Ogun State, the acting Customs Area Controller, Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, said that these ammunition were concealed within the rice bags and intercepted following an intelligence report in the Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, adding that efforts are underway to track the perpetrators of this illicit importation crime.

“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,” he explained.

According to him, the consequences of unchecked smuggling of arms and ammunition are severe, ranging from the empowerment of criminal organisations to escalating crises and compromising national security.

For these reasons, he said the Ogun 2 Customs command will not relent nor compromise in waging war against the smuggling of unlawful arms and ammunition in building a safe and stable nation.”

“On Monday, 27 November 2023, our operatives conducted a sessional 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 intel 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 Local Government Area of Ogun State.”

“Our operatives went to the spot and evacuated the five bags of rice without any encounter. The bags of rice were suspected due to the unusual threading and sewing of the sacks. This quickly aroused 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 to track 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 on our efforts in combating smuggling activities in their entirety.”

“We appreciate our gallant officers and men for their bravery and commend the patriotism of our informant in partnering with us. We call on well-meaning Nigerians with useful intel to collaborate with us in enhancing the security of our dear nation. You are assured of maximum security cover,” he added.

However, he reiterated that the Command remains resolute in promoting national security, saying the Command shall continue to appreciate the enormous support of the Customs CG, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, in enhancing its activities in Ogun State. (Daily Sun)

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