“The superior security network of the Command eventually aided the seizure but we lost the suspects.”
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, said it intercepted 940 rounds of ammunition worth N557,120,828.00 concealed in sacks of garri (cassava flakes) at Idiroko axis of the state.
The area controller, Ahmadu Shuaibu, said this at a media conference on Friday in Idiroko, Ogun.
Mr Shuaibu said while carrying out an anti-smuggling operation on March 14 along the borderline, operatives of the Command intercepted smuggled 940 rounds 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.
Mr 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 Mr 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 that in recent times, the command has carried out operations with zero casualties and that the Customs value the lives of its personnel.
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.
Peoplesmind
