Daud Olatunji
The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has thwarted a significant smuggling attempt, seizing a cache of life-threatening ammunition, harmful substances, and other prohibited items.
Addressing journalists at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko on Friday, Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, detailed the daring operation that led to the interception of 940 rounds of live ammunition, cleverly concealed within sacks of cassava flakes.
The operation, which unfolded on Thursday, was the culmination of over two weeks of relentless pursuit by the Command, spanning from the Republic of Benin into Nigeria.
Despite the heightened security measures employed by the smugglers to safeguard their illicit cargo, the superior surveillance network of the Command ultimately prevailed, resulting in the seizure of the dangerous ammunition.
Unfortunately, the suspected smugglers managed to evade arrest, abandoning the contraband in their haste to escape.
The Command also seized a plethora of other illicit goods, including 123 sacks and 3,172 parcels of cannabis sativa (Indian Hemp), 380 pieces of donkey skin, 304 bales of used clothes, and 910 cartons of frozen poultry products.
These seizures, amounting to a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N557,120,828.00, were made possible through the Command’s robust intelligence network and round-the-clock patrol and anti-smuggling activities.
Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and combating smuggling activities, noting with pride that recent operations had been carried out without casualties.
He issued a stern warning to smugglers, assuring them that their days of impunity were numbered and that they would face the full force of the law.
He called upon patriotic Nigerians to collaborate with the Command in its fight against smuggling, stressing the grave threat these illicit activities pose to national security.
He added that in its anti-smuggling efforts, the Ogun 1 Area Command has also been diligent in revenue generation, having generated a total sum of N24,283,788 since January.
This revenue, derived primarily from baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products, underscores the Command’s multifaceted approach to fulfilling its mandate.
Comptroller Shuaibu expressed gratitude for the support of the Customs management team, as well as the dedication of his operatives, the Customs Intelligence Unit, and Customs Police Unit.
He also extended appreciation to sister agencies, stakeholders, and the press for their collaboration and professionalism in advancing the Command’s objectives.
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