The Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Area Command, Controller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu has recorded another monumental achievement in his drive toward nipping all anti-smuggling activities in the bud especially those around the axis.
While addressing journalists at a press briefing on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 the Customs Area Controller underscores the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding and strengthening the security architecture of Nigeria against insecurity, saying “We have thwarted the evil plans of the enemies of the State from smuggling of live ammunition into the country.
According to him, “Arms and ammunition smuggling is a high intelligence operation as it often attempts to evade the watchful eyes of law enforcement. It requires concerted and collaborative efforts of law-abiding citizens of this country to checkmate. Proactive intelligence is required in this regard.
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“Smuggling of arms and ammunition are menace that knows no border and feeds on the vulnerability of our society. The consequences of unchecked smuggling of arms and ammunition is severe, ranging from the empowerment of criminal organizations to escalating crisis and compromise of national security.
“For these reasons, we will not relent nor compromise waging war against smuggling of unlawful arms and ammunition in building a safe and stable nation”.
While narrating the events leading to the discovery and seizure of the contraband goods, Shuaiu recounted that: “On Monday, November 27 2023, our operatives went on a professional and intelligence-based operation to unravel the antics deployed by unscrupulous elements to bringing in live ammunition through Imeko axis of the State.
“We have been on the trail of the ammunition for about a week ago. Fortunately, at 0005hrs of the day, we got an intel that the 5 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, ImekoAfon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
“Our operatives went to the spot and evacuated the 5 bags of rice without any encounter. The bags of rice were suspected because of 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 at tracking 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 in our efforts in combatting smuggling activities in its 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 and economic wellbeing of our beloved country. We will not be deterred by any means possible in discharging our statutory responsibilities to our fatherland.
By Ajibola Adedoye