In its unwavering commitment to safeguarding and strengthening the security architecture of the nation against insecurity, the Ogun 1 Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service has thwarted the plans of arm smugglers of live ammunition into the country.
Customs Area Comptroller of the Idiroko border of Nigeria Customs Service, DC Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu disclosed to news men on Wednesday 29th November that arms and ammunition smuggling is a high intelligence operation as it often attempts to evade the watchful eyes of law enforcement agents.
DC Shuaibu explains that it requires concerted and collaborative efforts of law abiding citizens of the country to checkmate. Even as he added that proactive intelligence is required in this regard.
He quipped that smuggling of arms and ammunition are menace that no border and feeds on the vulnerability of the society. The consequences of unchecked smuggling of arms and ammunition is severe , ranging from the empowerment of criminal organization to escalating crisis and compromise of national security. “For these reasons, we will not relent nor compromise in waging war against the smuggling of unlawful arms and ammunition in building a safe and stable nation” he added.
The Area Comptroller’ disclosed that the 975 rounds of Ammunition red star cartridges was concealed in five (5) bags of foreign parboiled rice and was intercepted in the Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, following an intelligence report .
”On Monday, 27 November 2023, our operatives conducted a sessional and intelligence-based operation to unravel the tactics deployed by unscrupulous elements to bring in live ammunition through the Imeko axis of the State.
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“We have been on the trail of the ammunition for about a week. Fortunately, at 00:00 hours of the day, we received intel that the five bags of foreign parboiled rice, containing live cartridges of Red Star ammunition, had been carefully hidden in a bush path along the Palace-Ayetoro road, Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
“Our operatives went to the spot and evacuated the five bags of rice without any encounter. The bags of rice were suspected due to the unusual threading and sewing of the sacks. This quickly aroused the suspicion of our operatives, leading to their opening for proper examination at the Border station.
“During the examination, about 975 rounds of Red Star live cartridges were found to have been ingeniously concealed in the bags. We have intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators of this nefarious act for them to be brought to justice. We recognize the potential danger of arms and ammunition trafficking, which is life-threatening. We shall not renege on our efforts in combating smuggling activities in their entirety.
“We appreciate our gallant officers and men for their bravery and commend the patriotism of our informant in partnering with us. We call on well-meaning Nigerians with useful intel to collaborate with us in enhancing the security of our dear nation. You are assured of maximum security cover.
“Let me use this medium to reiterate that we remain resolute in promoting national security.” Comptroller Shuaibu said.
Extending his appreciation to other sister agencies for the synergy and collaboration the command has continuously enjoyed, he thanked the CCG, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi for his support and enhancement of their operations at the command.
