Customs At Idiroko Make Seizures of Ammunition, Cannabis Sativa, Other Contrabands Worth Over N557 Million

In a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat smuggling activities, the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a cache of life-threatening ammunition, harmful substances, and other prohibited items.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko on Friday, March 15, 2024.

According to Comptroller Shuaibu, the seizure occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, during an anti-smuggling operation along the border line. The Command’s operatives intercepted smuggled ammunition totaling 940 rounds of live ammunition, cleverly concealed within sacks of cassava flakes, locally known as garri.

Detailing the operation, Comptroller Shuaibu revealed that the Command had been tracking the smuggled items for over two weeks, originating from the Republic of Benin, before they were eventually smuggled into the country. Despite the surveillance and security measures implemented by the smugglers, the Command’s superior security network facilitated the seizure of the items, although the suspects managed to evade arrest by abandoning the contraband.

In addition to the ammunition seizure, the Command also confiscated 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 seizures were made at various strategic locations across Ogun State through the Command’s intelligence network and 24-hour patrol and anti-smuggling activities. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items amounted to N557,120,828.00.

Comptroller Shuaibu reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and properties, highlighting its zero-casualty operations as a significant achievement. He warned recalcitrant smugglers of impending consequences, emphasizing that their days are numbered, and they will face the full wrath of the law.

Furthermore, he appealed to patriotic Nigerians to collaborate with the Command in its fight against smuggling, stressing the grave threats posed by contraband to national security. Comptroller Shuaibu also provided an update on the Command’s revenue generation efforts, reporting a total revenue of N24,283,788 generated from January to date.

In conclusion, Comptroller Shuaibu expressed gratitude to the Customs management team, gallant operatives, Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit, sister agencies, stakeholders, and the press for their unwavering support and professionalism in enhancing the Command’s operations.