Ogun State Command of Nigeria Customs Service have intercepted some prohibited items into the country from Republic of Benin, by unscrupulous elements.
This was revealed yesterday by the state Controller, Bamidele Makinde during a press conference in Abeokuta the state capital.
Controller Makinde said,” On Friday, the 11th day of August, 2023, the Command received credible intelligence on a planned smuggling of prohibited items into the country from Republic of Benin, by unscrupulous elements. We swang into action by deploying our operatives on 24 hours surveillance to thwart their nefarious activities.
The Roving B Team of the Command intercepted five old vehicles, (Toyota Camry with Chassis No. 4TIBG22KIWU312145, Toyota Camry with Chassis No. 4TIXK1263NU108237 and three Mazda 626 cars with Chassis Nos. JM2GD14H201568566, JMZGF14F201173029 and JMZGF14P20141862 respectively), loaded with 203 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each abandoned in a bush path at Tobolo Junction, close to an exit point to the Republic of Benin, and near Ijoun, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. The drivers who were suspected to have been hinted at the movement of our operatives, escaped through the bush of the said area, in order to evade arrest.”
He added that, “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. “
The Controller emphasized that, “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 expressed that,” The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized ammunition and rice is N17,638,145.00 The items have been deposited for safekeeping, pending further necessary action. Investigation is ongoing to unravel the cartel responsible for the attempted smuggling of the items for arrest and prosecution.”