The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed that it Intercepted 940 rounds of ammunition worth N557,120,828.00 hidden in bags of garri (cassava flakes) at the Idiroko axis in the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Idiroko, Ogun, the area controller, Ahmadu Shuaibu, revealed that during an anti-smuggling operation on March 14, the Command’s operatives seized 940 rounds of ammunition that was smuggled and concealed in sacks of garri.
The Command had been on the trail of the smuggling cartel from the Republic of Benin for over two weeks, Shuaibu explained, adding that while following the cartel, intelligence revealed the level of surveillance mounted and security beef-up by the unscrupulous elements to safeguard the items and evade arrest.
The items were intercepted at the creeks, border lines, and other strategic locations across Ogun through the Command’s intelligence network and 24-hour patrol/anti-smuggling activities by its operatives, according to Mr Shuaibu.
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He added that the total amount of the seizure was valued at N557,120,828.00.
Shuaibu stated that in recent times, the Command had carried out operations with zero casualties and that the Customs valued the lives of its personnel.
According to him, the operatives of the Command carried arms to protect their lives when and where necessary.
Shuaibu warned smugglers that their days were numbered and that they would not go unpunished.
He revealed that from January till date, the Command had generated N24,283,788 revenue from baggage assessment and auction of petroleum products.
The Area Controller, therefore, appealed to well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians to join forces with the Command in its fight against the smuggling of harmful substances, light weapons, arms, and ammunition.
He stated that the Command was open to receiving intelligence and assured prospective partners of maximum security.
