Daud Olatunji,Abeokuta
In a significant triumph against illicit activities, the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun Area 1 command, revealed on Wednesday, that it has successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 975 rounds of live ammunition into Ogun State through its border.
The Acting Controller, Ahmadu Shuaibu, announced this accomplishment during a press conference held at the Idi-Iroko headquarters of the service, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to combat arms and ammunition smuggling.
Shuaibu highlighted the intelligence and diligence required to counteract such operations, stating, “Arms and ammunition smuggling is a high intelligence operation as it often attempts to evade the watchful eyes of law enforcement.”
He stressed the necessity of proactive intelligence and the involvement of law-abiding citizens in the fight against smuggling to safeguard national security.
Providing details of the operation, Shuaibu narrated, “On Monday, 27 November 2023, our operatives conducted a professional and intelligence-based operation to unravel the tactics employed by unscrupulous elements in bringing live ammunition through the Imeko axis of the State.”
The operatives, who had been on the trail for about a week, received crucial intel leading them to discover five bags of foreign parboiled rice containing the concealed live cartridges along the Palace/Ayetoro road in Imeko Afon Local Government Area.
The unusual threading and sewing of the rice sacks raised suspicions, prompting the operatives to inspect the bags further. Subsequently, approximately 975 rounds of red star live cartridges were found ingeniously concealed within.
Shuaibu affirmed the commitment to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice, recognizing the severe consequences of unchecked arms and ammunition smuggling on national security.
Commending the bravery of the officers and the patriotism of the informant, Shuaibu urged well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate in providing useful intelligence to enhance the security of the nation.
He reassured potential informants of maximum security cover, emphasizing the customs service’s determination to promote national security and economic well-being.
Shuaibu expressed gratitude for the support of the Controller General, BA Adeniyi, and highlighted the continuous synergy and collaboration with sister agencies in the fight against smuggling activities in Ogun State.
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