Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun Area I Command has disclosed that it intercepted 940 rounds of live ammunition concealed in sacks of cassava flakes fondly called garri.
The Controller of the command, Ahmadu Shuaibu, made this known on Friday while speaking with newsmen at Idiroko area of the state.
He noted that customs equally seized 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.
The Duty Paid Value of the total seizure is said to have amounted to N557,120,828.00.
Customs also noted that between January and now, it has generated total sum of N24,283,788 as revenue.
“On Thursday, March 14 2024, while on anti-smuggling operation along the border line, the Command operatives intercepted smuggled 940 rounds of live ammunition ingeniously concealed in sacks of cassava flakes, commonly known as garri in local parlance,” Shaibu said.
He stated that the command had been on the trail of the cache of ammunition for more than two weeks, from the Republic of Benin, before it was eventually smuggled into the country.
Shuaibu said that, “during the trial of the cartel, the received intel revealed the level of surveillance mounted and security beef-up by the unscrupulous elements, to safeguard the items and evade arrest.”
He stated further that the superior security network of the command eventually aided the seizure but lost the suspects, as the items were abandoned by the suspected smugglers who absconded in a bid to evade arrest.
“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, border lines and other strategic locations across Ogun State, through our intelligence network and 24 hours patrol/anti-smuggling activities by our operatives. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the total seizure amounted to N557,120,828.00, the Comptroller said.
He enjoin well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians, to collaborate with the Command in its fight against smuggling of harmful substance, light weapon, arms and ammunition.
Shaibu pointed out hat the items poses great threats to our national security and have the potential of destroying lives and properties within the shortest time possible.
He lauded the men for their deep sense of patriotism and commitment to tackle those hellbent on sabotaging the national security and economy of the country.
He then warned recalcitrant smugglers that their days are numbered vowing that they will never go unpunished with their nefarious activities.
“We shall keep uncovering their antics and very soon, they will be arrested and be made to face the full wrath of the law,” the Comptroller said.
