Nigerian Customs Seize 940 Rounds of Ammunition Concealed in Garri Sacks at Ogun State Border

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant seizure of 940 rounds of live ammunition concealed in sacks of cassava flakes, commonly known as garri, at the Benin-Idiroko border in Ogun State.

The operation, carried out by the Ogun 1 Area Command on Thursday, March 14, 2024, was the culmination of two weeks of tracking the smuggled ammunition from the Republic of Benin.

Despite the smugglers’ attempts to evade arrest by employing rigorous surveillance and security measures, the superior security network of the Command led to the seizure of the ammunition.

The suspected smugglers managed to escape, leaving the items behind.

In addition to the ammunition seizure, the Command also intercepted 123 sacks and 3,172 parcels of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp), 380 pieces of donkey skin, 304 bales of used clothes, and 910 cartons of frozen poultry products.

These items were seized at various locations across Ogun State through the Command’s intelligence network and 24-hour patrol/anti-smuggling activities.

Controller of the Ogun 1 Area Command, Ahmadu Shuaibu, emphasized that these items pose great threats to national security and have the potential to destroy lives and properties within a short time.

The duty-paid value of the seized items amounts to over N557 million.

In terms of revenue generation, the command reported that it had generated a total sum of N24,283,788 from January to date.

This revenue was primarily sourced from baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products.

Shuaibu expressed gratitude for the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team in the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and enhance revenue generation.

He also highlighted the importance of protecting the lives of operatives and warned smugglers that their activities will not go unpunished.

The Command is open to receiving intel and assured prospective partners of maximum security.

By joining forces with the Nigeria Customs Service, the community can play a crucial role in preventing smuggling, safeguarding national security, and promoting a prosperous future for Nigeria.