The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 1,245 live ammunition ingeniously concealed in 203 Bags of foreign rice abandoned in a bush path at Tombolo Junction, near Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Bamidele Makinde, who briefed newsmen on Monday, at Customs House in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital, said the duty paid value of the seized ammunition and rice is N17.638 million.
“During examination of the seized vehicles and the item, about 1,245 rounds of 70mm (2¾) live ammunition of Lion, Trust, Supreme and Redstar branded cartridges were found to have been ingeniously concealed in 20 bags of the intercepted foreign rice.
“While considering the potential danger of ammunition of such magnitude if successfully smuggled in, we redouble our efforts to ensure they do not find their way into the country.
“It is a threat to safety of the border communities and national security. We are committed to ensuring maximum security of our border lines with all sense of patriotism,” he said.
According to him, the drivers, who were suspected to have been hinted at the movement of Customs’ operatives, escaped through the bush path to evade arrest.
Speaking further, the Customs Boss said investigation is ongoing to unravel the cartel responsible for the attempted smuggling with a plea to residents to afford the Command timely and valuable information.
While commending the Officers who led the interception, the Customs Boss said the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to rewarding deserving Officers who performed exceptionally.