Customs intercepts ammunition worth N500m in garri sacks

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has intercepted 940 round of ammunition worth N557,120,828 concealed in sacks of garri (cassava flakes) at Idiroko axis of the state.

The Area Controller, Mr. Ahmadu Shuaibu, said this at a media conference on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Idiroko, Ogun.

Shuaibu said while carrying out anti-smuggling operation on March 14, along the border line, operatives of the Command intercepted smuggled 940 round of ammunition concealed in sacks of garri.

He explained that the Command had been on the trail of the smuggling cartel from the Republic of Benin, for more than two weeks.

Shuiabu stated further that while trailing 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 superior security network of the Command eventually aided the seizure, but we lost the suspects, as the items were abandoned by the suspected smugglers who absconded in a bid to evade arrest.

“In addition, the Command also recorded the seizure of 123 sacks and 3,172 parcels of cannabis sativa, hemp; 380 pieces of donkey skin; 304 bales of used clothes; and 910 cartons of frozen poultry products, among others,” he said.

According to Shuaibu, the items were intercepted at the creeks, border lines and other strategic locations across Ogun, through the Command’s intelligence network and 24 hours patrol/anti-smuggling activities by its operatives.

The controller added that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the total seizure amounted to N557,120,828.00.

The controller said in recent times, the command carried out operations with zero casualty, and that the Customs valued the lives of its personnel.

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He added that operatives of the Command carried arms to protect their lives where and when necessary.

The controller warned recalcitrant smugglers that their days were numbered as they would not go unpunished.

The controller appealed to well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians to join forces with the command in its fight against smuggling of harmful substance, light weapons, arms and ammunition.

He stressed that the items posed great threat to national security and had the potential of destroying lives and property.

The Star