Ogun 1 Customs Impounds 975 Live Cartridges Concealed In Bags Of expired Rice

By Chinonye Anyatonwu

The Ogun 1 Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has through deep sense of patriotism and diligence, intercepted 975 live ammunition cancelled inside five bags of expired locally produced rice at Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State. Briefing newsmen in Idiroko, Ogun State command on Wednesday, the acting Customs Area Controllers of the command, Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, said the ammunition were intercepted through the ingenuity of the officers of the command.

Shuaibu revealed that the operation, orchestrated by vigilant operatives, unfolded on Monday, November 27, 2023, when intelligence led them to discover five suspiciously packed bags of expired locally produced rice along the Palace/Ayetoro road in Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State. According to him, the meticulous examination of these bags revealed an alarming concealment of 975 rounds of live ammunition cleverly stashed within the rice sacks.

He stated that this meticulous operation, executed on Monday, unraveled the intricate plans of criminals attempting to smuggle these cartridges through the Imeko axis of Ogun State. Shuaibu commended the professionalism and vigilance of the operatives involved in uncovering the hidden ammunition He maintained that through strategic planning, proactive intelligence and collaborative efforts, were used by his officers in curbing the smuggling of arms and ammunition, stating that severe implications of unchecked trafficking, which could empower criminal entities and compromise national security also made it possible. The Acting CAC underscored the need for collective action beyond security agencies, urging all Nigerians to support efforts to combat these illegal activities. According to him, “Only God knows the number of lives that would have been lost if these cartridges got into the country, kidnapping and banditry must be brought to book in this country. We enjoin all Nigerians and not only the security agencies to come together and support the fight against these activities. “We were able to intercept these items through intelligence and devoid of any loss of live. We want to show the world that this is an injurious way of smuggling ammunition into the country, adding that the owners of the items will be brought to book.

“This is the first time we are apprehending ammunition at this axis, our responsibility is to checkmate smuggling since it is not possible to eradicate it. These are criminals who wants to beat the intelligence of law enforcement” he noted. Shuaibu reiterated the unwavering commitment of the agency, underscoring their dedication to promoting national security and economic well-being.

He expressed gratitude for the support received from the Customs Management Team, the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and other sister agencies. “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," Shuaibu stated.