The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, made a significant interception, seizing 940 rounds of ammunition worth N557 million concealed in sacks of garri (cassava flakes) at the Idiroko axis of the state. Area Controller Ahmadu Shibu disclosed this during a media briefing on Friday in Idiroko.
Shibu explained that the interception occurred during an anti-smuggling operation on March 14 along the border, where operatives discovered the smuggled ammunition hidden in garri sacks. The command had been tracking a smuggling cartel from the Republic of Benin for over two weeks, facing challenges due to the cartel’s heightened surveillance and security measures.
Despite the difficulties, the command’s superior security network facilitated the seizure, although the suspected smugglers managed to evade arrest. In addition to the ammunition, the command also seized other contraband items including cannabis sativa, donkey skin, used clothes, and frozen poultry products, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) totaling N557 million.
Shibu emphasized the importance of collaboration with well-meaning Nigerians to combat smuggling activities, which pose a significant threat to national security and public safety. He assured prospective partners of maximum security and urged the public to provide intelligence to aid customs operations.
The controller commended the efforts of customs personnel, the Customs Intelligence Unit, and the customs police Unit, as well as sister agencies and stakeholders, in enhancing the command’s operations. He also appreciated the support of the Comptroller General of Customs and his management team in achieving the command’s successes.
