By JOY AKINSANYA

The troops of 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, deployed under Operation MESA, have intercepted 88 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice during patrol.

Capt. Samuel Akari, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of 35 Artillery Brigade, disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta on Saturday.

Akari explained that the interception followed an intelligence report on the movement of contraband goods into the country.

He noted that the interception occurred at 4:00am on Thursday at Rounder- Imasayi road in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the state.

“The drivers who fled upon sighting the troops, were conveying the goods in two unregistered Mazda saloon cars.

“Also, a Ford bus without registration number that was abandoned on the road was also seen with the contraband goods.

“The intercepted items and the three vehicles have been handed over to Custom Ogun 1 Area Command for further action,” he said.

Akari stated that the handover of the items underscored the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army, particularly 35 Artillery Brigade, to support the relevant government agencies.

He reiterated that it was important to collaborate in the enforcement of anti – smuggling laws and to safe guard national economic interest. (NAN)