In a major victory against smuggling, Nigerian Customs officers at the Idiroko border post seized a significant amount of ammunition and other contraband. The most concerning item was 940 rounds of ammunition cleverly hidden inside sacks of garri, a popular cassava-based food staple. Area Controller Ahmadu Shibu disclosed this during a press briefing held in Idiroko, Ogun.
Mr. Shuaibu elaborated that during an anti-smuggling operation on March 14, the command’s operatives discovered the smuggled ammunition hidden within garri sacks.
He explained that the command had been on the trail of the smuggling cartel from the Republic of Benin, for more than two weeks. Investigations into the cartel, revealed heightened surveillance and security measures by the perpetrators to protect the contraband and avoid arrest
The Area Controller mentioned that despite the suspects’ escape, the command successfully seized the items with the assistance of its robust security network, intercepting additional illicit goods such as cannabis sativa, donkey skin, used clothes, and frozen poultry products, among others, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N557 million.
These interceptions were made possible through the command’s intelligence network and round-the-clock patrols and anti-smuggling efforts conducted across strategic locations in Ogun State.
Mr. Shuaibu underscored the command’s commitment to ensuring zero casualties during operations, emphasizing the value placed on personnel safety. He affirmed the readiness of operatives to employ necessary measures, including carrying arms, for self-defense when required.
Warning smugglers of imminent consequences, Mr. Shuaibu urged patriotic Nigerians to collaborate with the command in combating the smuggling of hazardous substances, weapons, and ammunition, emphasizing the severe threat posed to national security and public safety.
He encouraged the public to provide intelligence and assured potential partners of maximum security cooperation. Mr. Shuaibu extended appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and the management team for their continuous support, which contributed significantly to the command’s operational success.
