Nigerian Customs seizes 1,245 live cartridges concealed in rice bags in Ogun

The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has successfully intercepted a shipment of 1,245 live cartridges concealed within bags of rice. This operation took place in the Tobolo community near Ijoun, located in the Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Bamidele Makinde, the Area Controller, shared this significant accomplishment during a press conference held in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, on Monday. Makinde revealed that the live cartridges, measuring 70mm (2¾), were concealed within 203 bags of foreign rice, and the entire cache was discovered abandoned in a secluded area at the Tobolo junction, close to a potential exit point towards the neighboring Benin Republic.

The seized cartridges, bearing the brands Lion, Trust, Supreme, and Redstar, were intercepted on Saturday following insightful intelligence gathered by the command. The Roving B Team, part of the command, managed to intercept five vehicles transporting the prohibited items. Unfortunately, the drivers, suspected of receiving prior warning about the operation, managed to escape through the surrounding bush area and evade capture.

Upon thorough examination of the confiscated vehicles and goods, it was revealed that the concealed ammunition was ingeniously hidden within 20 bags of the intercepted foreign rice. Recognizing the substantial danger posed by the successful smuggling of such a significant quantity of ammunition into the country, the customs officials remain resolute in their commitment to preventing such threats to border communities and national security.

Makinde stated that the duty payable on the confiscated ammunition and rice is estimated at N17,638,145. The seized items have been securely deposited pending further action, and an ongoing investigation aims to uncover the cartel responsible for the smuggling attempt for subsequent arrest and prosecution. This accomplishment comes shortly after a recent directive from Acting Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi during his visit to Ogun, highlighting the command’s dedication to upholding border security.