How Customs Operatives uncover 975 hidden rounds of red star live cartridges at Imeko, Ogun

Intercepts 975 live ammunition concealed in 5 bags of rice 

ZAINAB JUNAID

Operatives of Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has uncovered the antics deployed by unscrupulous criminals to smuggle in live ammunition through a bush path along Palace/Ayetoro road, Imeko, Afon local Government area of Ogun State, as they intercepted 5 bags of foreign parboiled rice containing 975 rounds of red star live cartridges at 0005hrs on Monday 27, November 2023.

Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Ahmad Bello Shuaib, disclosed this on Wednesday while showcasing the most recent seizures made at Idiroko border area of Ogun State.

He added that efforts are underway to track perpetrators of the illicit importation.

Acting Controller Shuaib expressed delight on how operatives of the Command thwarted the evil plans of the enemies of the State by preventing smuggling of live ammunition into the country.

“Our presence here today depicts our unwavering commitment to safeguarding and strengthening the security architecture of our beloved nation against insecurity as we will be showcasing our most recent anti smuggling exploits. We are delighted to report that we have thwarted the evil plans of the enemies of the State by preventing the smuggling of live ammunition into the country.”

To him, arms and ammunition smuggling is a high-intelligence operation, often attempting to evade the watchful eyes of law enforcement and it requires concerted and collaborative efforts from law-abiding citizens of this country to checkmate.

I’m view of this, the acting Controller opined that proactive intelligence is required in this regard. “Smuggling of arms and ammunition is a menace that knows no borders and feeds on the vulnerability of our society,” he said.

He warned that the consequences of unchecked smuggling of arms and ammunition are severe, ranging from the empowerment of criminal organizations to escalating crises and compromising 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 said.

Explaining how operatives of the Command uncovered the secret of the unscrupulous element, Acting Comptroller Shuaib informed that, ”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. We have been on the trail of the ammunition for about a week. Fortunately, at 00:05 hours of the day, we received an 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.”

The Ag. Controller later appreciated the officers and men of the Command for their bravery and commend the patriotism of their informant. “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.” he assured.
He also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs for his support and enhancement of the Command’s operations. Controller Shuaibu equally extended his appreciation to sister agencies for the synergy and collaboration the command has continuously enjoyed.

“We shall continue to appreciate the enormous support of the Customs CG, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, in enhancing our activities in Ogun State. We equally appreciate the continuous synergy and collaboration enjoyed with our sister agencies.” he concluded.